Today is Father's Day... a special day set aside each year to celebrate and to thank the Dads of the world. That was a ritual in my life... and even when I could not make it home (which was rare)... I always sent my card in advance... and called on the day to wish my Dad to let "Him" know how important his contribution to my life had been.
Both my Dad and my Mom have passed on... so that ritual is no longer physically possible. As a matter of fact, I will not even be able to get down to place flowers at their grave to mark the occasion. That's how I have celebrated for their days since their passing. This year... my youngest son Bryn, aged 14 years is playing in a weekend soccer tournament. He managed to make the "rep" team... and wondered if I "might like".... to see his games on Sunday.
My Dad would understand... and expect "Me" to follow his example and choose "to be" with my son on this important event in his life... and I shall be there rooting in the stands for "Him." Life is indeed about change... and rituals are most important to the living. Rituals afterward do have to do with respect... but the impact upon the living is what passes forward the sense of respect and links generations.
My Dad and Mom created many blessings in our family's lives. They showered all their grandchildren with that same love and gift of their time. When I have to think about Dad's greatest gift to us as a family... it is hard to separate love... loyalty... compassion... generosity and consistency to decide upon that one gift of largess. But I believe... that his sharing of his gift of music... his impeccable and unique piano styling... were shared not only with his family as a whole... but with several decades of his community as well .
Mom simply added harmony in our family of song... and encouraged creator ship... in her homemaking and her personal gift of decorating... using the simplest of materials for all occasions and celebrations. "She" took us to the Natural World... guided us... taught us to observe... understand... respect and assume stewardship for it.
In short.. together... they used music to stitch together a way of life that remains intact... even after they both have passed on. Of all the blessings they offered "Me"... "I" am most grateful for the Music... that continues to soothe my soul. There is a favourite song of mine that best describes my gratefulness... and today, I wish to share it in love with each of "You":
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me
Thank you for the music
For giving it to me...
-ABBA
Thank "You" Dad and Mom... for the many blessings!
I love "You" both forever!!
XXOO
Happy Father's Day Dad!... A salute from my brush and heart to "You"!
... and a Happy Father's Day to all the Hubbies and Dads out there in Blogger land!!!
Good Painting to ALL!!!
