Wednesday, September 30, 2009

My Dad

Today is my dad's birthday....he would of been 94. My dad was special, especially to me. I was the youngest and he took me everywhere with him....at times even when he went to work. He gave me many gifts, the main gift was love followed closely by confidence. He always made me feel pretty, I always knew he was proud of me and I loved when he would say how nice I looked, I knew he was proud to take me with him. I have since realized how important it is to a daughter to know how "special" it is to have her father's approval. It was natural between my dad and I, we didn't have to work on our relationship as so many do today.....we accepted each other the way we were.

Now my dad wasn't perfect, although some things he did were. His lawns and gardens were beautiful. I could tell you what street I lived on and had you known my dad you would of been able to pick out our house immediately just by looking at his garden. He had a gift for growing things unfortunately a gift he didn't pass on to his children. None of us have ever been able to duplicate his efforts. He also instilled a strong faith in me, now this gift he passed on to all of us though only a few has accepted it. This is a gift I am forever grateful for, a gift that keeps on giving.

My dad was Irish, a very proud Irishman indeed. He was always impeccably dressed whenever he went out. He worked hard and he played hard. He loved his drink, sometimes too much and thankfully this was something that he didn't pass on to us either. In fact I consider this a gift as well, as we all knew how drinking changed people's personalities, we seen this in our dad and we learned this is not the way we wanted to be. He was funny and could make us all laugh, he had a temper and could make us all cry but always we knew he loved us. He gave us a strong work ethic, taught us to keep our word when we gave it and showed us that life could be lived so much easier with honey than vinegar. Oh how I loved him

Thank you dad for all you were and are in my life. All the lessons you taught have been used in my life many times. I love you dad and miss you even more.

God Bless my friends.......many, many hugs.......:-)

60 comments:

Anne said...

Bernie,
Oh! How I loved your post about your Dad. A wonderful tribute to him. My Dad died 20 years ago,and I think of him all the time. I was also the youngest and he took me with him everywhere,too. He was very special to me,too. His Birthday is October 11. My hubby has the same birthday and he reminds me so much of my Dad. I too, say thank you to the wonderful Dads.
Take care.
Hope you are feeling better.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

My dad would have been 93 in June. Yes, he is missed. A faith-filled man who was a strict taskmaster. God bless you, and am glad you are feeling better....Take care! Cathy

Margie said...

Bernie, this is such a wonderful tribute to your dad.
Now I know how you became to be such a special person.
You had a dad gave you love and taught you all the important things in life and they have made you the caring and dear person you are.


I know your dad would be so proud of you, Bernie.

Hugs, my friend.
Hope you are feeling better.

Margie:)

Diana said...

Hi Bernie,
That was a lovely post about your dad. The good and the bad, and I think we all have had both! I think your dad would have been happy about the things that you wrote about him.
My grandfather on my mothers side was Irish too. I was wondering if you can tell if the infection is gone Bernie? I hope so.
Love Di

Kay said...

i would have to observe, that anyone who knows you, would have to assume that you come from greatness! Happy Birthday to your Dad, we are all blessed because of him.

Wanda..... said...

Good afternoon Bernie...nice to learn how close you were to your dad...they do play an important part in a young girl's life...I like that he had a sense of humor...my dad did too...always quick to smile...my dad liked his drink too...and was a hard worker also...drinking probably was just the thing to do back in their time...my dad would have been 90.

Yesterday was my sister's 57th birthday and Saturday is g/son Nathan's 18th.

I'm thankful you have fond memories of your dad Bernie...he sounds like a wonderful father!

Hope you are resting up for your get together...laughing and talking takes QUITE A BIT OF ENERGY!!! :)

Take care,
Wanda

Rebecca said...

I'll bet you have many MORE wonderful memories of your father that you could write! These are wonderful things to have received from him, Bernie - and it's obvious the love flowed mutually between the two of you. Thanks for giving me a peek into his life and personality. Wish I could see that garden!

Anonymous said...

I think I have mentioned that my father deserted us when I was 8 and my sister 6. He was the town drunk. I was always so ashamed of him. We didn't know where he was for years but he came back into our lives later and had recovered and as an adult I understood what he had to deal with. I loved my father too, and could never figure out why, until I became an adult, forgiveness and understanding are graces from God.
QMM

Eileen said...

This was a beautiful tribute to your Dad, such heartfelt sentiments, and I think the greatest gifts any parent can give to their children is the gift of Faith, and the gift of knowing they are loved. It sounds like your Dad did a fine job of both!

I'm glad you have wonderful memories to cherish and savor.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen

Bernie said...

Hi Anne, I was so blessed to have the dad I did, in many ways we were very much alike...I still miss him especially on special days like this......:-)Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi GrandmaK...my dad was a very strong and strict Catholic but he taught us to respect the beliefs of others.....he always could see the good in everyone and I loved him for that......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Thanks Margie, I feel him around me often and sometimes I think it was he who prepared me for the good and bad of this world, enforcing that I was in charge if I were to have a good or bad day. He always encouraged that I be true to myself.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Diana, you are right about the good and the bad and none of us are immune to that for sure.
Also Diana, I feel so much better being off the antibiotics but unfortunately I am aware the infection is still there, I will see Dr. John next Tuesday and see how we can treat it....I so don't want to have to take those pills again ever..... luv ya...:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Kay, thank you. You have filled my heart with love and pride. Have a wonderful day my friend....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hello Wanda, again we find more things in common. My dad was great, just knowing he loved me unconditionally gave me a great start in life.
I am still resting, I am feeling better being off those pills. I even managed to get some much deserved fresh air today and it felt wonderful. Luv ya.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Rebecca, you are so right, I have memories of my dad that could fill many books.....I have so much to be grateful for and he is at the top of my list.
You would of loved his garden...I would love to have his garden, oh well I have the memory of it.
Take care my dear friend....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh Peggy, your young years must of been very hard but look what a lovely woman you turned out to be. Forgiveness and understanding are wonderful blessings from God and once we receive them, accept them it becomes a natural way of life to share them......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Eileen, oh yes my dear friend, my dad gave me the most important gifts any child could receive from a parent, love and faith. He also knew there would be bumpy roads and in his own way he even tried to prepare me for those. I see so many more things he taught me and how to react to different situations since I became a grown woman. I feel I am a better person because he was my dad. Love you,
......:-) Hugs

faye said...

Jackie asked me to post this message to you.
She is away from her blog for a few days. Taking care of her mom
( H1N1 flu ) and doesn't have internet access at her parents .
She will be back blogging soon.
I spoke with her tonight and she has been taking photos .. so she will have lots to share when she can.

Gail said...

HI BERNIE

Oh such a wonderful tribute to your Dad. I love all the gifts oF self he gave you - love, confidence, a strong work ethic - and the adoring freedom to be yourself. And you are so right about daughters needing to know how special they are in their Dad's eyes and heart. I Love that you and your Dad had all this and that you have shred it with us. I love your memories of him. Thank you Bernie.

Love Gail
peace......

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Such a beautiful tribute to an obviously wonderful man!!! Your dad shines through you, Bernie!!!! Thank you for sharing his heart...and giving us a glimpse into yours! Love to you~Janine XO

Bernie said...

Faye, thank you for letting me know how Jackie is doing, I am praying for her mother...:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Gail, thank you for seeing my dad through my eyes. He was one of the most important people in my life.
Hope you are doing well...Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Janine, it is always so nice to hear from you. I think of you every day and pray you are doing well.
My dad was so special to me and I so loved being his daughter.
Love you.......:-) Hugs

theMuddledMarketPlace said...

good to spend time thinking about lovely dads! like you, my memories are all good

Blessings each day said...

One of the many marvels of Heaven is that one day I will get to see your dad's beautiful gardening because all things beautiful are in Heaven.

So heartening to hear of your loving relationship with your dad...thank you for sharing.

blessings and happy hugs,

marcy

Anvilcloud said...

You just made me think. My Dad would have been coming up on his 97th at the end of the month.

Alice said...

Such wonderful memories of your Father. Although you miss him so much, you can relive your times together over and over in your heart, knowing what a blessing you were to each other.

Barb said...

HI Bernie,
I've been catching up on your posts - lots has happened in your world since my vacation! I'm so glad the news from your radiologist was positive. How frightening that must be to wait for those results! I also hope your infection has cleared and that you don't need more antibiotics. Glad that you have your friends visit and your vacation to look forward to.

The post on your Dad is very touching. I lost my father when I was 9, but he was a strong influence on my life.
Right now, my husband's father is visiting us from FL. He's 86 and a veteran of WWII. He still has plenty of energy, travels a lot, and loves me to cook for him! He'll be with us for 9 days both here in Breckenridge and in Denver. It snowed in the mountains last night and was 18 degrees when we woke this AM - a big change for him since when he left FL it was in the 80's!

Take Care, Bernie - have fun with your special friends.

The Retired One said...

Bernie:
I have been gone for two days traveling about and taking photos of another part of the U.P....and just got back tonight, again trying to catch up on my favorite blogs.
What a sweet tribute to your dad. He sounds like such a great guy.
I lost my Dad over 7 years ago now...and my mom about 4 years ago. I miss them both terribly.
As I age, I realize the subtle ways they both formed who I am today.
I still remember vividly the feel of my Dad's big, veiny, strong hands and the smell of my mom's perfume and soft face as she hugged me hello or goodbye.
I have video of them, but I can't make myself watch them even yet...it would just make me too sad.
But I know, in my heart of hearts that we will be together some day..just as you will be with your Dad.

Garnetrose said...

Sounds like you had a great relationship with your dad. I never knew mine but I have heard about him from various people and I am so sorta glad I did not know him. But it would have been nice to have had a dad like yours. This is a great tribute.

Bernie said...

Muddlemarketplace, we were so blessed to have had such wonderful fathers.....how have you been? I am going away for the weekend but will catch up with you when I get back...........:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Marcy, I too am looking forward to the day I am reunited with my family who I love so much and who loved me....including my dads garden. I will be away for the weekend but will catch up with everyone hopefully on Tuesday. I will take lots of pictures....Love you.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi A/C, thought of you today when I was out shopping and the saleslady pulled the same sneeze and passed me back my credit card similar to your situations....yuk! ...:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Alice, I was blessed to have had my dad, he was pretty special for sure.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Barb, it is really cold here as well.....we don't even have Fall anymore, looks like we jumped to winter. Some parts of Alberta got snow last night.
Enjoy your dad my friend, you are so blessed to still have him in your life.
Will be away for the weekend, catch up with you hopefully by Tuesday.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Joan, one day you will find that video very comforting but only you will know when the time is right.....and that is okay, I am so happy you have it.
It is really cold here now, snowed in some parts of Alberta last night...will be away for the weekend, the girls arrive tomorrow and I am so looking forward to seeing them....will catch up with everyone on Tuesday.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Garnet, my dad was (to me) the most wonderful dad in the world and I was so blessed to have had him....I am sorry about your situation but you are such a lovely lady Garnet, I am so proud that you rose above the fray and became the great person you are.
Luv ya......:-) Hugs

quieten said...

Bernie,
My dad died in December at age 91 and I miss him daily.He was my best friend. Your words of him are filled with love and warm, cherished memories. If he was anything like my dad he'd be embarrassed by your wonderful words but he'd also be filled with pride and love for them and for you.
I hope you're beginning to feel a lot better and the antibiotics did the trick. I'm finally getting to read your blog although I already know that warm, loving spirit. You really keep my spirits up!
Thanks for sharing your Dad with us. The world is just a bit better because he was a part of it.
Huggz,
Quieten

Tranquility Speaks said...

Wherever your dad is right now, he watches over you making sure no harm comes your way.You indeed are blessed to have had such a loving relationship with your dad. He was your closest confidante as well as your biggest critic. Not everyone is that lucky, like you rightly pointed out :-)

Have a great weekend Bernie. Hope to see you back on Tuesday :) Missing you and conversations with you :)

Anne said...

Hi Bernie,
Just wondering How you are feeling?
I hope you are resting and taking good care of yourself.
Have a restful and relaxing weekend.
Take care.

Silver said...

It's a beautiful tribute to your dad, Bernie.

love,
~Silver

Jerelene said...

Hi Bernie...I do hope you're feeling better :)
It sounds like you had a really wonderful Dad...that helped you be a wonderful person too!
Thanks for checking in on me as you do...I appreciate it a lot :)
I hope you are able to have a good time and be feeling well...with your friends :)
Love..Jerelene

Kay said...

has it only been two days since you last posted? i was going through posts, waiting for Bernie to pop up, but no...hope all is well ;)

Jackie said...

I read through tears, Bernie.
I'm going to send you an e-mail.
I love your post about your Dad....
Love,
Jackie

Bernie said...

Quieten, How wonderful to hear from you....how is George? How are you doing?
I will be away until Tuesday but will check and see how you are doing as soon I get home. I think of you everyday and always keep you both in my prayers.
Sorry about your dad, we both are very blessed to have had such wonderful fathers Quieten, I am very proud to have been his daughter.....take care...:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Stillness, the girls and I have just come up too bed, we are getting up at 8 am to be on the road early....I am so happy being with my friends.
I did have a wonderful dad my friend, but I think most people think that way about their dad. (mine was pretty special)
Miss you very much, talk with you on Tuesday, luv ya.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Anne, the girls and I just came up to bed, we are leaving early in the morning for Bonnyville, I just love having them here.
I am okay, still a ways to go but hope to have everything straightened out next week.
Talk with you on Tuesday my friend,
....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Silver, thank you he was a very special man, one of the most important in my life....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Jerelene, my friends are here, we have just come up to bed as we are up early in the morning to go to Bonnyville. It's great to have them with me.
So glad all went well with Sam, I am doing okay....hopefully will be even better next week/have a great weekend......Luv ya....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Kay, my friends arrived today, we are leaving early tomorrow morning for Bonnyville for our best friend's birthday....love having them with me.
Will be back online on Tuesday Kay, have a wonderful weekend my friend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Jackie, so glad you are home and all is well.
My friends are now here and we are leaving early tomorrow for Bonnyville, I will be back online on Tuesday.....:-) Hugs

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Hello, my dear friend...hoping you are doing better, and that you are having a wonderful time with your friends!!! Love to you~Janine XO

Margie said...

Bernie are you having a wonderful time with your friends?
Oh, I know you are!

I'm having a great weekend with my two favorite fellas, hubby and Jake.
Oh, had to take Jake to the vet again this morning, "sigh!"

Take good care and will look forward to your next post.

HUGS!

Margie:)

quieten said...

Bernie, Hope all is well with you. In the comment I left you about your dad (...Your words of him are filled with love and warm, cherished memories..)I probably should have made it clear that "him" was a reference to Your Dad, not mine.
Hope you had a great time this past weekend and that you celebrated your friend's birthday in style!!!!! Thinking of you and wishing you well.

Quieten

Cindy said...

Hi Bernie, I just came back from holidays, what a beautiful tribute to your Dad. There is nothing like our memories is there. Bernie I left your name mentioned in my blog today. Take care and I hope you are well. Maybe you are on holidays. Take care.

Bernie said...

Janine, I had a wonderful time with my friends, so much fun...am still on the road to healing. Luv you.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Margie, I had such a wonderful time, missed you though. Talk with you soon......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

quieten, have only left your post a short time ago, hope all is going well. I had a wonderful time with my friends, only wish we all lived closer together to see each other more often. Take care my friend, stay strong....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi cinner, how was your holiday? Mine was short but so wonderful, will take a few days to rest up.
Will be over soon my friend, welcome back.....:-) Hugs