My 1st Fathers day,....without my dad. by elfin12u
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Description
This is suddenly so much harder to do, than I first thought. This is my first real post here, I mean in my own gallery,I stepped in once on Cheri's, but I don't think that really counts. I really planned to post more artsy type work, but photography is an art too! I think that for my first, this is probably apt. For the first time in my life, I celebrate Fathers Day, without my dad here with us, and if it weren't for him, I certainly wouldn't be here and able to do this. He was a vet, and both father and dad to six boys, imagine trying to feed and clothe that many, especially when at one point, five of us were teenagers!
He was always a character, joking and making light of things, and yet the first to lend a helping hand when needed. It was from him I learned my whatever it takes attitude. Cheri's son was so smitten with my dad, he called him Grandpa, and even wrote about him, as one of the most influential people in his life, for an English assignment. My dad was deathly ill, when my two brothers had died in early 2004, and he promised the family that he would not be the third one that year. Such was his determination, that it took another 4 1/2 years for him to just be so tired of the fight. It was his time, and I can accept that,..but I miss him soooo much!!!
If you had managed, thank you for reading thus far, and I apologize for being so wordy. The shot would probably be so much better without my reflection in the stone, but hey, at least this way you know that I took it! Happy Fathers day to all the dads everywhere!!
Thank you all here for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful family.
Dave
Comments (38)
elfin14doaks
When Dave's mom cried in church this morning it almost broke my heart. Dave's dad was a lot like my dad. His dad was in the Coast Guard, mine in the Navy, but they had the same job on ship. They both retired from the post office and held incredibly similar jobs all their lives. When they got a chance to meet a few years back all they talked about was life on ship and the post office. He was an incredibly sweet man. I miss him dearly.Today will be hard once we all get together to celebrate later.
Rainastorm
Happy Fathers Day...to all dads here and gone.
Crudelitas
I can understand this... The people we strongest love, we lack them quite terribly... But by the fact that we think to them they remain in our hearts and become immortal...
auntietk
Oh Dave, I think your reflection in your dad's headstone is just perfect. We all see ourselves reflected in the people we love, and that doesn't necessarily change just because they are no longer here. It's a wonderful symbol for your relationship. This is a beautiful way to open your gallery, my friend. I hope to see your gallery grow!
TallPockets
A MOST wonderful tribute work and words! I lost my late 'pop' in 2000. He also served in the military. Two tours. Korea and Japan. As each year passes by, the memories only get STRONGER and BETTER! SALUTE! My BEST to you and yours, KIND SOUL. TallPockets/bls35mm/brian.
pops
Wonderful tribute
tennesseecowgirl
Dave this is a beautiful tribute, I lost my father this year as well, so I know what you are feeling today, your dad sounds like he was a wonderful dad, enjoy your day and your memories of him. (hugs)
Deadly_Ernest
A loving tribute. The best tribute you can give your father is to be yourself and to make your own way in life as he would've wanted you to. be like him - stand tall and proud of who your are, what you are, and the heritage he brought you. No one is truly gone as they live on in all who have known them or know of them, even then many memories live on in strange places. here in Australia we use a verse of the Binyon poem 'For the Fallen' as a memorial statement on Remembrance day, I think it fits all remembrance occasions: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”
kasalin
Dear Dave, that´s a very wonderful tribute to him and for all the "dads" God bless you and all....Piece !!! A big Hugs Karin :)
Darkwish
You did very nice pic. And great tribute.
Minda
This is really excellent tribute to him wonderful job!!
zil2008
Welcome to the family Dave. You won't be sorry you joined as these are a wonderful supportive group of not only fantastic talented artists but good friends. As for your reflection in the stone, great shot. After reading your story and hearing your sadness, it is only fitting you are a part of this image. Look at it this way, you are a part of the image and your dad's memorial stone and he will always be a part of you. You are his son. You will never forget him and sorry to say the pain never goes away and you will always miss him. I know this from personal experience. We carry on but we always carry our loved ones in our hearts and thoughts. Your dad sounds like he was a great dad and the best gift you can give him is to use what he taught you and be a great dad as well. Although the passing of our loved ones is part of the circle of life, it is the part I hate the most but we must go on. Hoping to see more of your great photos's in the future.
clbsmiley
I am glad you posted something that means something to you!!! And your reflection makes it all the better, you are a reflection of him!!! Enjoy the memories, but don't forget the now!!! It's where we are... The past has formed us, and the future is yet to be!! Ok now I am carrying on...
orig_buggy
a wonderful dedi!!! to you and yours ....
gloriatanta
Dave, this is a beautiful and touching dedication. You show your father was a special person. And your reflection in the stone is ok. It's beautiful and means that your father is alive through you. God bless you and you family. Hug!
adiemas
Great photo! Im glad that you can finally share :)
vaggabondd
This is a hard way to get started but I am so glad that you shared it with us. I hope to see many more great things from you. Randy
Dreamingbee
.... i can feel it.. my parents i lost some years ago and ever miss them... wonderful tribute..
Autumn_Rains
It is very hard, and I certainly feel for you.... Excellent dedication, I am sure he is very proud of you!!!
Chipka
This is a fantastic and moving tribute, and most definitely, an excellent first post, not just for any artistic merit alone, but for the sentiment behind it, and the story that is as much a part of the image as the visual representation itself. This is the kind of thing that renews my faith in humanity, especially since on too many occasions, I saw a less appealing side of familial life and know of others who have come to recognize the words "cruelty" and "family" as synonyms. Seeing this is heartening in that it is a fantastic tribute, and proof to those who have never seen/experienced anything like this that fathers/families can actually be sources of inspiration, strength, and good memories. Thank you for that.
NefariousDrO
This is a very nice memorial to someone you obviously not only love, but also greatly admire. Family is the hardest, and most important, part of our lives, it's such an impressive thing that you would choose your father for your first post. It says alot about your character, and how much you still love him.
2121
great image Dave, nothing wrong with the words, nothing at all. Wonderful dedication
lior
A so touching dedication I can understand your pain :( my Mom ז"ל have passed over 2 years ago I still miss her:( Joy will come in the morning of the resurrection when all hurt will be healed and we will be together with those we love. Blessing, Lior
wysiwig
This one hits home. My dad is buried in a veteran's cemetary so he just has a flat marker. Really moving tribute to your father.
three_grrr
I think your reflection in the stone is perfect .. you are part of him, he is part of you, and lives on in you. He must have been an awesome man .. loved by so many. God rest his soul.
bakapo
a beautiful tribute from the heart. I understand your feelings completely; I've been there. I wish you peace.
jendellas
Your Dad would be very proud.
ShadowsNTime
This is wonderful Dave! I am struck by the heart that you and Cheri share, truly an amazing thing in todays world to see two people so in tune to each other and the love that you share with human and animal alike is a joy to see! Thanks for sharing with us and especially with me! Again thanks for the lovely words you left on Bitty Baby!
bmac62
Dave, I hadn't seen this. This is a very fine tribute to your dad. I lost my dad in September 2007. You and I have something in common...both our fathers lived to a good old age. My dad was born in 1908...he missed 100 by 7 months.
Winterclaw
The first one is always the hardest, but time has a way of easing the pain so long as you let it.