~A GIFT FROM MY FATHER~Call me crazy or unbalanced, disorganized or unfocused... But a few months ago when I couldn't find the hand written poetry book given to me by my father, I became totally panicked and afraid. I looked high and low for the deep blue and gold-trimmed journal only to face disappointment after each unsuccessful search came to an end. I feared it was lost forever. When my Mr. AGPMan found it safely stored on a shelf in our guest room, I felt my heart could finally rest. What once had been lost now had been found..
~HAND PRINTED WITH LOVE~I cannot say for certain when it first was my father presented me with the final version of the book that holds some of his best writings. He began poetry books for all of his children, but I was relentless when it came to him completing mine. I would routinely return it to him on occasion so he could transfer into it his most recently penned poems, prayers and promises...
The last entry my father made in my book was in the late 1980's. It is now full...well, almost full anyway. There are a few empty pages towards the back that he intentionally left blank as he had planned to include a few more "special entries" for when my children graduated college, left home, married, had babies...
~MY FATHER AT 35 (1965)
Sadly, my father fell ill with what my sister Jenny continually calls a 'monster in his brain' and those very special writings would remain un-penned forever... This makes me all the more grateful for the amazing insight he had when he was well. The book holds more than 300 separate writings...
The last entry my father made in my book was in the late 1980's. It is now full...well, almost full anyway. There are a few empty pages towards the back that he intentionally left blank as he had planned to include a few more "special entries" for when my children graduated college, left home, married, had babies...
~MY FATHER AT 35 (1965)Sadly, my father fell ill with what my sister Jenny continually calls a 'monster in his brain' and those very special writings would remain un-penned forever... This makes me all the more grateful for the amazing insight he had when he was well. The book holds more than 300 separate writings...
~TRULY TREASURED - DEEPLY LOVED~
~A SPECIAL POEM FOR MY BROTHER~
~MY FATHER AT 73~ (2003)~Reading From My Book
KINDERGARTEN SCHOLAR
by: William E. Elliott
10/18/65
I
Infant, infant, shining face
Will you take your destined place
With the small or with the great,
Men of valor, who create?
II
Infant, infant, little one,
You who sleep when day is done~
Rest you well, this carefree night,
The day to come shall bring new light!
III
Kneeling down, I kiss your cheek
Who tomorrow, starts to seek~
Hidden wealth in knowledge land
Secrets too, in grains of sand!
IV
Tucking covers, under chin~
This my flesh and blood and kin...
(Fading shade of summer tan!)
Child tonight, tomorrow- a man!
~MY FAVORITE PICTURE OF MY DAD~My father began the painstaking task of writing out in long-hand my keepsake book back in 1978. He was the age then that I am today. He could never have known how precious to me his words would one day become or how much more I would grow to love him over the next thirty years...
Today I will be visiting him in the nursing home...the place he now calls home. I'm taking this beloved book with me and I'm going to read to him for a spell.
I'll share with him some of the poems he wrote in 1963, and '65, '71 and '84.
And then I'll turn to the back of the book, to the pages that once were empty, and I'll read aloud to him the poems I've written and carried on in his name...
Thank you, Daddy. For everything!
Blessings to you as you honor, in deed or memory, the ones who gave you life...Rebecca
Today I will be visiting him in the nursing home...the place he now calls home. I'm taking this beloved book with me and I'm going to read to him for a spell.
I'll share with him some of the poems he wrote in 1963, and '65, '71 and '84.
And then I'll turn to the back of the book, to the pages that once were empty, and I'll read aloud to him the poems I've written and carried on in his name...
Thank you, Daddy. For everything!
Blessings to you as you honor, in deed or memory, the ones who gave you life...Rebecca
23 comments:
Even though your father is in a nursing home & I know it is so hard to see him there, I envy you. My Daddy whom I loved more than anything has been gone now for 5 years. I only wish I could still visit him there.....
With tears on my cheeks Rebecca, thank you for sharing this.
Hugs,
Marilyn
Rebecca this is one of the most beautiful things I have a read in a very long time. Enjoy your day with your father.
xxoo, Susan
DEAR REBECCA,
I HOPE YOU ENJOY EVERY SECOND OF YOUR VISIT TODAY. NOTHING IS MORE PAINFUL THAN TO HAVE YOUR LOVED ONE THERE, BUT NOT THERE. I CAN REALTE ON SO MANY LEVELS WITH THAT. IT IS LIKE SOMEONE KIDNAPPED THEM, BUT YOU ARE LOOKING AT THEM AT THE SAME TIME. HOPING THAT A CONVERSATION, ANYTHING, WILL SPARK THEIR MEMORY AND THEY WILL BURST OUT WITH SOMETHING YOU RECOGNIZE. I KNOW BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SEE MY LITTLE DAVEY WITH AUTISM. IT IS EASIER NOW, BUT AGES 3-5 WERE HELL. MAY YOUR MEMORIES IN YOUR BOOK AND THEY JOY YOU HAVE TODAY WASH AWAY THE PAIN. BIG HUGE HUGS AND PRAYERS TO YOU- HEATHER
Rebecca,
This post made me stop and really think about spending time with my grandma that is in the nursing home. I haven't been in a while.
The book that he made for all of you is so precious. I really had to stop reading your post because I couldn't see through my tears. When you said that you were going to read to him out of the book it reminded me of the movie 'The Notebook'. That is my favorite movie and I read the book way before the movie ever came out. Matter of fact, my sister never would read books until I read a few pages to her out of 'The Notebook' years ago. We both cryed in that book. Now she reads all of the time. A bunch of us girls had a girls night out whenever the movie first came out and afterwards we took pictures of us for our scrapbooks. Those pictures look terrible! We had cried so much in the movie!
I hope that today you have a very good visit with your daddy.
Hugs to you and him,
Lee Laurie
Oh, the tears well for you, & your Father, Rebecca. What joyous treasures you have forever, penned by a beautiful Father.
We, too, had this occur with Harold's Mother ... she was so cheated of life for about 12 years. We were so sad to have her miss such beautiful moments in her remaining years. The pain we shared in only have her body left was devastating. You cling for that every second she would have a lucid moment, tho never to happen again.
God bless your Father, please share our warm greetings & wishes for his special day. May you treasure the moments today that will be difficult, I am sure.
As you told me yesterday, He will lift you up ... the angels will bless you.
Thank you for your wise words & wisdom yesterday. I will hold them closely ..... love that song more than anything but the Lord's Prayer & Ave Maria.
Hugs, TTFN ~Marydon
Rebecca, just reading your father's poem affected me so, realizing that this love he felt for his dear ones is what shaped you all. Sometimes daughters and sons go their whole lives without knowing how much their father loved them. It is hard for most men to express this love. They tend to do it through deeds and not words. It is such a gift that your father was able to give this to you. How blessed you are. Have a lovely visit with him today.
Hugs,
June
Sweet Rebecca...
Isn't that just the most wonderful treasure... What love you dad had for you, and to have it written in a book? How special... I have one poem that my dad wrote when my sister died...it's so sweet, but I'd have loved more.
I know you enjoyed your time with him today. It's such special time, isn't it?
Hugs,
Spencer
Rebecca, what a moving post and I with everyone else, have tears in my eyes.
My Father and Mother have been gone for twelve years, but I never stop missing them..I often have to stop myself from picking up the phone to tell my Mom something...My Father wrote little stories about a good troll for my sister and myself when we were little and for my youngest daughter. He did not keep them for my sister and me....now I know how sad that is. I have them in letter form to our daughter and you have inspired me to find them and find a pretty and safe way to
save them.
Thank you and God Bless You and Your Precious Father.
Jil
Sweet Rebecca, your post is making me cry....I am so happy you had a good relationship with your dad and he has left you something so special....and continues to do so.
You are blessed beyond words...my dad would not allow any of his children to get close. How very, very sad for him and us.
Regarding the pillows on my tablescape post. I found those at HomeGoods but I have torn apart many a quilt to make pillows and tablecloths. The first time I did this.....I was shaking! I felt so quilty for tearing apart a quilt....ha!
I loved your post, dear one.
I am close to my Father in Heaven...for that I am eternally grateful.
Love,
Barb
Oh! Rebecca!
As always i am so deeply touched by your posts, and this one is especially meaningful to me as I had a very special relationship with my father too.
Your Father is so special to have taken the time to have written these thoughts and poems for his children,in looking over the book that he wrote I see how meticulous he was in writing, and I can see how much it means to you. What a treasure you have and I also see how you value this treasure. Priceless!!
I like the last photo best as well, his expression says that he is in very deep thought.
Enjoy this special time today with him and I know he will enjoy listening to what you have written. What a legacy you two have. Thank you for sharing, i have truly blessed.
Hugs,
Sue
Hi Rebecca,
Such a treasure. No wonder you were frantic trying to find this part of your father. I cried reading his poem knowing how hard it is for most fathers to express their love for their children. I wish I had such a thing from my father. My father gave all he had to his family and I know that that is usually how they feel most comfortable telling us but is also nice to have it spoken and written.
Have a wonderful visit with today and give him an extra little peck on the cheek for me.
Hugs,
June
Oh my, I too would have been fit to be tied not knowing where the book was. This is certainly a treasure every child would love to have from their parents. In your case, your Daddy.
Imagine with your sweet ms.K is older and you can share with her the journey of how this book came to be and how it has touched your life.
IT is certainly never too late to start such a book!! Thank you for sharing this story with us.
Oh Rebecca, what a beautiful post. I am also tearful here. My father in law has Alzheimers and it is soo hard to see him this way. Sometimes he forgets who I am or calls his sons by a wrong name, etc. It is truly hard on everyone. I hope you had a nice time with your father. :)
Blessings,
Sandra
~~Rebecca~~I'm loving your story today. I am organizing belongings of my mother's these days and can fully identify with "misplacing" things. So glad you found your treasure and keep sharing with your father. He will have moments of understanding as you go over and over special times with him. ..With Love, Mary H.
Oh, Rebecca! How precious was your post about your Dad! How dear that he wrote these wonderful poems for his children! That one was wonderful and made my eyes get all teary!
How sweet of you to read to him his own poems! I pray your visit was a great one!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
Rebecca,
I don't even know where to start.
First of all, thank you for visiting me, and leaving your kind words in a comment. I would not have found you otherwise.
Now, thoughts of my Dad.
Our relationship was not good for many years, and now we have both changed, and we love and cherish each other dearly. It is hard to see him now beginning to forget some things, and see how hard my Mom works to keep him active and thinking, knowing the the process will continue on it's own path, and the only hope is the peace that the Lord brings now and when we have my Dad no more.
Saddens my heart to think of that, but most grateful for the good years we are having now.
I am grateful for every moment and know you are too.
How very precious to have that book to share with each other.
Blessings and peace to you both.
barbara jean
Becky--
Thank you for sharing this with us. Your father started writing poetry when he was in grammer school. He has always had a love of books and poetry. If I am not mistaken, Poe was his favorite author. Many of his poems are simply rymes, but most are deep and thought provoking. So-- it is not surprising that his four children (all), have a way with words. And so-- The LEGACY continues...
Love you Forewver-- Mom
You are so lucky to have a great father. Enjoy every moment you have with him and all the memories he has given to you.
Willow
Hi Rebecca,
I hope you have a wonderful visit with your loving father today. Thank you for sharing his beautifully written poems!
Blessings,
Brook
Oh Rebecca, this is one of the sweetest, most thoughful gifts I have ever seen! Your father sound like such a wonderful man! I absolutely LOVE his gift to you, just beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful time together!!
Love ya sweetie,
Amy
HELLO REBECCA,
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL POST. AS HARD AS IT IS FOR YOU TO VISIT WITH YOUR FATHER, ALWAYS KNOW HE MIGHT HAVE A BRIEF MOMENT OF CLARITY AND READING HIS POETRY TO HIM COULD EVOKE A MEMORY...I WAS A NURSE THAT FOR 10 YEARS DEVOTED THAT PART OF MY CAREER TO WHAT THE EARTHLY DOCTORS CALL DEMENTIA OR ALHEIMERS. I ALWAYS PRAYED FOR EACH ONE OF MY PATIENTS AND I OFTEN WONDERED IF THEY KNEW WHAT WAS BEING SAID AND COULD NOT REACT TO IT....THEY ARE DEFINITELY TRAPPED IN THE DARK SHADOWS THAT WE CANNOT ENTER. MY HEART AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS MOM...WHAT A CHARMING NOTE SHE WROTE.
I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THE SPIRIT OF YOUR BLOG AND ANYONE THAT LOVES JESUS IS A SISTER IN CHRIST OF MINE
I TOO WRITE POETRY AND ALTHOUGH MY BLOG IS SIMPLE RIGHT NOW, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SHARE SOME OF MY POETRY AND ROMANTIC COUNTRY HOME.
I TOO LIVE IN THE GREAT STATE OF OKLAHOMA AND WAS EXCITED TO HEAR ABOUT THE DINER CALLED POPS....IT WILL BE SO MUCH FUN TO GO TO WHEN WE BRING OUR DAUGHTER TO THE CITY FOR DRS. APPOINTMENTS.
YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME TODAY, I HAVE CRIED THROUGH YOUR ASHES AND ADMIRED YOUR BEAUTY BOTH INSIDE AND OUT.
YOU BLOG WITH MY SISTER SHERRY, COUNTRY WINGS IN PHOENIX.
I KNOW I WOULD ATTRACT MORE PEOPLE IF I SHOWED MY HOME AND SO FORTH BUT RIGHT NOW THE LORD HAS ME PRAYING FOR THOSE IN NEED AND TO ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO ARE DOWN.
YOU HELPED PUT THE SPARKLE BACK IN MY SPIRIT.
I LOVE ISAIAH 48 AND MAY I HAVE YOUR PERMISSION TO PUT IT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY BLOG WITH A LINK TO YOU....IT WOULD NEVER BE USED IN ANY OTHER WAY.
PLEASE STOP BY AND SEE ME
ANGEL HUGS
debbie
WHEN MY DAUGHTER BECAME ILL THE LORD GAVE ME THE SCRIPTURE, "I WILL GIVE YOU BACK YOUR HEALTH AND HEAL THY WOUND," SAITH THE LORD
~JEREMIAH 30:17
THAT IS WHY MY URL IS
http://debbie-jeremiah3017.blogspot.com
but the title of my blog is There's An Angel On My Front Porch.
I have pictures of my front porch on July 4th or 5th.....I can't remember
angel hugs
debbie
Oh Rebecca, How precious those poems are to remember your dad with such a great talent he once had with words. To be able to express himself in such a manner is a wonderful thing and for you to capture his inner feelings thru his poems must be a great feeling for you to know him so well. I'm sure he was delighted to hear them once again from his darling daughter. I think he looks super great in that last picture too. You are very fortunate to have experience a great Dad in such a way!
Take Care-
It's so difficult when a parent is no longer able to apply themselves as once they did. I hope your visit today turns out to be one of joy and glory as you share with your dad the poems of his heart and yours. Bless you both!
Coralie
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