All six sibblings got together this afternoon to talk and go through photographs that our Dad had stored in boxes. It was a good time of remniscing, laughing and just good healthy bonding. There were so many old photographs to look through, and they took us way back to when we were kids, and then looking at our Parents when they were much younger, Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles, and it was all good, a good day of healing. At one point I was outside walking around, and as I came to the back of my Brother's garage, I looked up the stairs leading to his second floor. Though there is a balcony up there, from this angle it doesn't appear to be there. Instead, it looks as though it leads right to the skies. My mind's imagination is triggered by things like this, and immediately I thought, "New Heights" and that is so true to where my family is right now. We moved to new heights. Our Father passed the baton, and we now lead our individual families. We have the repsonsibility to carry on and honor our namesake.
You thoughts are so beautiful -- and this picture just illustrates it so well!! I love the image. I'm so glad you and your family are walking together through this. Your Dad must be so pleased!
@nikkers Nikkers, the family went in to view Dad this evening. It was beautiful. All the kids gathered photos,we had his wood carvings set up, he isholding his golf club, his fishing rod is sitting next to the casket, Grandkids & Great Grandkids wrote good-bye notes, it all looks great, a celebration of a life well lived, all the way to the end. The service is tomorrow morning beginning at 9:30am with the Funeral at 11:00.
What a lovely photo do go with your thoughts for the day. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family tomorrow. Thank you for sharing and may your Father rest in peace.
What a great photo to go with your tender words as you grieve. I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. It is so hard to say bye to parents. I have done this with all 4 of mine, in-laws included. Praying for you and your family as you reminisce. It is so soothing to remember and share stories as you celebrate his life. God be with you.
Sounds like a perfect day that ended with a perfect photo Rick. Bless you and your family. You have been kind enough to share you life with us and I truly feel blessed for that. You are one amazing person.
I like that sentiment of "passing the baton." It's so true. Now you & your siblings are the standard bearers. May God give you and your family strength tomorrow.
Beautifully said Rick. So glad to hear you are all doing well and moving on. Your parents must be looking down at you pleased that you are all grown so well. Lovely photograph btw. Love the perspective and the texture.
Such beautiful words Rick. I can relate so much. My dad passed on almost 18 yrs ago and my mom 14 yrs ago. It just seems like yesterday. I recently found my Moms college diary and it brings me such joy. I miss both of them but I was blessed with wonderful parents and I have awesome memories that will stay with me forever. Take care
Great picture- really captures so many feelings which you are going through right now. I like the perspective especially and the thought of looking up while your family grows stronger. Great shot!
It is wonderful that you could all look through your Dad's photos & reminiscing of wonderful times. There will be more wonderful times ahead Rick for you & yours. I will be thinking of you & your family tomorrow. God Bless.
Your words today reflect what our family felt when my mother passed on. We are now the ones to carry on the family, we are the next "Family Elders" so to speak.
Lovely shot for today.
A great symbolic photo & your words are so thought provoking as usual. I don't think you grow up properly until your parents die, until then you are always someone's child . Now you are head of family !!
@shanne No I did not. I will need to look at that, but I think it is going to be busy for the next few weeks, so not sure how much time I will have to play.
This is wonderful, Rick and I know it was healing to be able to have the family together to talk about dad. I like how you processed this with the texture. Sending prayers your way...I certainly know some of what you are feeling right now.
What a lovely photo to go along with your words. Sounds like you are giving your father a proper sendoff. :) It's odd at times like this the little things that can give us comfort I remember at the end of the day of my father's funeral thinking to myself what a sendoff he got and how much he would have loved it and that thought really helped me.
Rick, it's just wonderful the way that you and your family are working your way through all of this. You are not only doing it individually, but you are also doing it all together. Very comforting to have that support system. Thank-you so much for sharing this with us and others. And, yes, you are moving on to new heights and another stage in your life. P.S. Love the symbolic pictue! God bless.
This is such a beauiful picture..happy to know that all of your family got together..tells me that your Dad was loved very much. I'll be thinking of you to night and and the day of the funeral. prayers as always.
Wonderful shot, I admire your ability to interpret your feelings and emotions and find a photo that represents how you feel. This is a wonderful ability that few have. This have been such a difficult week for you and your family, I hope that your family gatherings as well as your photography and journaling is helping you to heal.
to me I also see a stairway to heaven :) what fun to sit and look through all the pictures--I hope my kids do that with all my pictures when I'm gone--thinking of you and your siblings
Such a perfect photo for this day! Before I read your caption, I had exactly the same thought as Della. Stairway to Heaven, indeed. I have no doubt that you and your siblings will carry the baton in a way that makes your Father proud.
No matter what your she when you lose a parent, it sends you into uncharted waters, when you finally assume the mantel of adulthood. It is bewildering because you have to reconcile this new awareness with the previously held conviction that you were already a grown-up. How fortunate you are to have many siblings. Being an only child in this situation must be devastating.
I immediately though "Stairway to Heaven" and I see I am not alone - did it cross your mind to name this photo that or knowing where this goes didn't think that way? Wow of a photo after what has been happening. Hugs
Did you cry? I don't think would be able to go through all of those photos without crying, I remember when my grandmother passed away, we did that and it was good and sad at the same time
Wonderful shot .
Your words today reflect what our family felt when my mother passed on. We are now the ones to carry on the family, we are the next "Family Elders" so to speak.
Lovely shot for today.