Monday, April 30, 2012

I Love My Dad

Today is my father's 81st birthday. My father passed away when he was 64. Every April 30th I celebrate my father's life and I'm sharing this celebration here today.

My Dad was not your average bear, he was bigger than life!

Dad grew up very poor in Brooklyn's slums and as soon as he could he joined the Navy to see the world. His aptitude for math and typing skills landed him in Washington DC working at the Navy Yard. He then met my mother.

Dad was happy being a family man, but he carried his travel bug around inside him. When my parents separated -- a blessing that took several years for Dad to realize -- he was free to pursue his dreams. He became a travel agent and booked trips for his wealth friends, all of which earned him cruises on some of the finest ships of the time. Dad was in Heaven! It made me so happy to see him so happy!

Dad inherited genes for heart disease from his father, and he suffered his first major heart attack at age 36. At that time, the doctors gave him 10 years to live. Well, he lived 26 more and took to sometime extreme measures to make sure he was having a good time. Sometimes it worked out and sometimes it didn't. But, one thing was certain, Dad lived the second half of his life as he wanted.

In the last years of his life, Dad had grandchildren on whom he doated. I wish he was able to see how my 2 children favor him and are doing all the things Dad loved to do - fish, play golf, drive fast cars, and cook for friends!

I always say the world is much quieter without my father present - this is so true. Dad was not everyone's cup of tea, but they couldn't ignore him!

I love my Dad and cherish the relationship I had with him. Dad was the only person who loved me unconditionally. No matter what, he was always there for me, unjudging and loving. It's hard to write this part because I feel his loss so intently, even though it's been 16 years since he passed.

May God bless my father and keep him always, and grant him eternal peace. I think peace is what Dad wanted most and found it by living an unorthodox life.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Self Improvement

Guess it's that time of the year - time to get fit!

Did pretty well last summer - tightened up and lost inches and pounds, but it's nearly all crept back. Argh.

Motivation has been slow to mount, but I realize I have a couple big social events approaching and a summer wardrobe I'd like to wear, so here I go... worked out tonight! Number 1 is now behind me - yea!

I really should focus on how a healthy lifestyle will prolong my life. Now that I'm in my fifties, there's not a lot of extra time left to waste!

Anyway - I'm commiting to writing this down (if not for any other reason than to shame myself into staying the course!)

Wish me luck!

Monday, April 16, 2012

The Day Earth Got Quieter

This is the sixteenth anniversary of my father's death. Time has closed the open wound his unexpected passing created, but the gap in my life will never be filled. Dad was the one person who loved me unconditionally - okay, so did my dog, Happy, who only thought he was a person.

Every year on this date, I call my father's sister and we reminese about Dad and all the funny stuff he used to do, and then we'd talk about all the crazy things he did, and we'd laugh and cry. But, this year, my Aunt is suffering from demenia and doesn't remember what day it is today.

So, now I'm alone in remembering -- alone in spirit because I'm the only person who is mourning today for my Dad. On this date in 1996, a bright, loud and sparkling energy was distinguished and Earth grew a bit quieter. Tonight, I have nobody to talk with about Dad and I realize, Earth is quieter yet.

Is it our ultimate fate to have these connections erode over time until our names are never again mentioned?

Truthfully, this is why I drive to do something remarkable -- so I have something lasting to leave behind and my memory will last beyond the people who know me best.

RIP, Dad! Perhaps one's eternal peace comes when your name becomes unknown and forgotten. Sorry, Dad - -that's not happening, yet!