His strong arms hoisted me up on his lap, and then with his large hand he patted my knee, "How is school?" "Pappy, we went to the zoo yesterday, and I saw a lion." My eyes would always focus on the tatoo on his forearm, and then my fingers would outline the colorful Eagle holding the American flag by his talons. I was always fascinated by the tatoo. He would rock gently, and he had a way of making me feel safe. As I grew, I remember during our visits, he would give up his chair and offer it to me. My feet barely touched the floor, but I felt big and proud sitting in his chair. I can still see his smile.
It's funny how memories remain fixed in our mind. Yesterday's photo brought back some fond memories, so today I made my way up into the attic. I rummaged through some things and pulled out Pappy's Rocking Chair. I removed the sheet that covered it, and sat in it, and immediately I felt the smoothness of its motion. It was almost as though I was six years old again and there with Pappy one more time. I sensed I was sitting on his lap, and I could feel his arms around me. Fifty some years seemed like yesterday. There is just so much more I wish I would have learned about him, but now I cherish the memories.
Never really knew my grandparents - they were gone before I was born. So I try my best to be the kind of grandmother I wished for...memories are best when they are filled with love. Sounds like this chair was. Great shot!
Beautiful still life, Rick! Nice story behind it. I also have a posting for today similar to this but haven't done so as I have commenting to do first. Big job this 365!
Beautiful photo and story. I agree with all the above. You are a great storyteller also. You sure that beautiful chair has to stay in storage?
I especially like the focus (I think that's what it is) that makes it look a little dusty on the back and arms. Now that I look again, i guess it's the light. Even better!
Great shot for today, Joe. And isn't it amazing what special memories a small thing like a chair (or any other such treasure) can mean to us...have you ever given this any thought when walking through an antique shop? I have as I know sometimes a person dies and all their things are sold in bulk too some dealer...then sold off at auction or end up in a shop...if only their memories could remain in tact for others to enjoy....but just the good memories ;-)
What a precious memory!!! I remember setting in my Grandmothers rocking chair in front of the fireplace before school while she cooked my breakfast!!!! LOVE THOSE GRANDPARENTS!!!!!!:)
aww what a righteous anecdote! (i don't know if that's even spelled right, sorry) I love the way it made me feel just reading about your memory! Lovely editing on such a majestic rocker! :D
Your words had the same effect on me as when you sat in your pappy's lap. Such a feeling of warmth and comfort. Just keep on sharing those memories and observations.
I love your photo but I love your story of your Pappy even more.....so touching and heartfelt. On the 10th of this month I posted a picture of vintage hats that reminded me of my grandmother. Like you I now wonder why I didn't ask her sooooo many questions.
How wonderful that you still have the chair and a place to keep it. We do keep our memories locked up in a private room like an attic, don't we, bringing them out on occasion to enjoy.
What a wonderful, touching story! I hope you'll save the memories you shared here to pass along to your grand daughters one day. More important though, I suppose you're trying to be that sort of grandfather that they'll also remember in this way. ...maybe you can share this chair and tell them what you've told us...
What a wonderful piece and touching story, Rick. Gosh, you're so lucky to have those wonderful memories with your grandpa. Mine were very old or dead before I was born. Love that chair!!!!
How wonderful Rick! I think it deserves a new pride of place down in the house somewhere with all of those memories attached to it! And it happens to be a gorgeous rocking chair too. I am fortunate enough to have known and to remember very clearly 5 of my great-grandparents - all 4 of my maternal great-grandparents and one of my paternal great-grandparents. And my great -grandmother Joyce is still going strong & will be 99 in December. I'm the eldest of the eldest of the eldest in a line of women who all had their first child at 20ish. At 28 with no kids yet I'm letting the team down big time! Haha!!
Great story and I like the way you edited the picture to put the focus on the chair. Focus on and keep those memories fresh, as our loved ones live on in our hearts and minds.
This is very deep and special...you are very gifted with your work, photography and words...anything else Mr Schies??? I'm sure there are more you could add to the list :)
I especially like the focus (I think that's what it is) that makes it look a little dusty on the back and arms. Now that I look again, i guess it's the light. Even better!