My Dad loved trees and so do I. Whenever he saw this particular tree, he never failed to mention the almost perfect shape of this tree and how much he liked it. In his later years, Dad lived in an apartment about 10 miles from me and when he quit driving he depended on me to take him to the bank, or for groceries, a haircut, or just for a day out to drive around the countryside looking at crops. So we passed this tree countless times over the years. And I heard countless times how much he admired this tree.
Recently, as my husband and I were driving down this highway and saw this tree, I realized why my Dad mentioned this tree so often. He didn't want to be forgotten and in talking about this tree so often, he made sure I remembered the tree and therefore would remember him! As if I would forget. He was a smart cookie, my dad, and one of a kind.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads this upcoming Sunday and to my husband who is a good dad and loved very much by our children. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
I'll close with a Barbara Johnson quote.
"To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today."
Until next time...
What a special memory to maintain from your father.
ReplyDeletesweet thoughts - I'll be with my day this july and be doing the haircut - groceries and day drives.. looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteSpecial memories are lovely keepsakes for your heart hey!
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story about your dad...It's funny how they don't want us to forget about them, maybe that's why they repeat themselves so much?! Your dad had to have been a wonderful person. I miss mine too.
I don't know if the Barbara Johnson is the same one I'm thinking of, but she is one of my favorite authors - what a great quote! I know so many people who just disappear from their children's lives when they get old, so sad. And so many children who just forget about their parents, even more sad.
Have a wonderful week-end celebrating with your family!
Hugs,
Barb
Hi Cheryl.....am able to pop in since wi-fi seems to be cooperating. What a lovely and heartfelt post about your dad....he does sound like he was "One wise cookie".
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jo
That does sound as if he wanted you to think of him often...just as often as you see that tree. This is a warm post lovingly written. A very special thing...
ReplyDeleteI love Barbara Johnson...do you read her books? What a riot? (Maybe we're not talking about the same one, but that quote sounds like something she would say.)
I love remembering these kinds of things that have been said by loved ones gone before...and that float around in my head every time I pass a particular spot. Your quote is perfection for this post!
ReplyDeleteLove the quote, and the wonderful story about your dad. He definitely was a smart cookie! And that IS a nice tree, by the way :) -Tammy
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely reminder of your much loved Dad. Pretty clever fellow.
ReplyDeletePerfect post for Father's Day.
Awwww Cheryl, yes he had a plan didn't he? And some great memories on days you two did errands together. Enjoy the Father's Day weekend with your hubby. And give Stormy a scritch for me. We got a kitty!!!!!!! We aren't kitty-less any more, but she is wearing us out!
ReplyDeletebeautiful story....i do the same thing with my family. certain landmarks they will drive by and for sure think of me!!!
ReplyDeleteyou are very lucky to have shared such a special relationship with your dad....it's a gift not everyone receives!!!
This is such a sweet post. Your dad really was smart to leave you with this special memory. It must be comforting every time you drive by it to have pleasant thoughts about your dad.
ReplyDeletei forgot to say how much i love your header, a perfect varity, beautiful colors!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful fathersday with your hubby and with your family!
ReplyDeleteLeontien
and yes I LOVE TREES too!
I loved the story of the tree and your Dad.also the quote by Barbara Johnson.
ReplyDeleteMy Grand children will ,hopefully,remember me,because I live on a mountain that they call Grandma's mountain.I have over heard my G daughter pointing out Grandma's mountain to her friend and we were in Cork at the time,the mountain is in Waterford but could be seen quite clearly.
Have a good week.
Carolyn.
Love the quote at the end of your post. And you're probably right about why your dad mentioned that tree so often. I'm glad you have a photo of it, and shared it with us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quote!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of tree is it? I thought Elm when I first saw it.
I remember so much about my Dad and a lot of it was related to his love of vegetable gardening.
So strange to read your story...The reason? Because there is a tree in our area that I have always loved. It is beautiful in the Spring and Summer....Gorgeous in the Fall and even though it has no leaves in the winter, it still stands out against all the other trees...
ReplyDeleteI cannot possibly tell you how many times I have told my grandson (tyler) how special that tree is...
Just the other day, we passed the tree and he made the comment that the tree was beautiful and that it belonged to his shug and to him!!
Of course we are going to always remember our parents, but how wise of you dad...Great story and one that I know you will have in your heart forever...
Blessings to you sweetie...
This is such a beautiful post, Cheryl.. Your Dad was indeed a wise man and I love that quote. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDelete