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Within the confines of this blog, you will find bits and pieces of the life and times of myself, my family and friend dear and near., far and wide, few and far between. You will find bits and pieces of my world, tho small to some, but huge to me. You will find everything from 'soup to nuts',; recipes, hobbies,crafts, gardenings,loves of my life, GrandLoves-a-Plenty, and even my pets... Sooo, if you can handle family life, enjoy the tour of my 'Stuffings'.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

The Bittersweet Launch

Good Ol' Dad,
A man and his tractor,
His 1950 International, 
the year I was born.
 There wasn't much Dad would not attempt,
but he was most proud of his family and all he could do for us.
The last few months of his life on this earth,
he was bound and determined to build just
' One ' more watercraft, this time a riverboat.
It would be the sixth and the last he would mastermind.
 When asked  where he got the pattern, 
asked by a riverboat guide that happened to be on the river the day of the launch, his answer was,
" Right here." as he pointed to his forehead.
He built it, guiding the hands of his sons and sons'-in-laws,
he launched it,
 he celebrated, saying, " She glides through the water like a hot knife through butter."  The pride on his face was bittersweet.
We knew, he knew, this was a milestone.
 No longer, did Dad have the strength to take another river trip alone, or trap the river he grew up loving from the time he was a teenager.  He knew he would never fish these waters again, without a helping hand.  For that, he was sad.
 This vision, the one of Dad and Mom, hand in hand, admiring their work completed, holds fast in my heart.  
He was the father of 10 children of whom he devoted his life building a happy home for all of us.
Among the many children, were a set of twins that miss him terribly.  I would be the dark haired darling on Dad's right arm, still needing his support.  Thanks Dad, for always being there for me, even now, years after your passing into the Lord's heavenly fold.
I'm jealous of that honor and wait to see you again.
Happy Father's Day 
and
To All You Wonderful Fathers Out There In Cyberspace

BlessYourHearts

11 comments:

jack69 said...

What a wonderful tribute to a great man. I had the pleasure of hearing your mom say,"I wasn't looking for just any man, but one who would be a good father to my children." (something like that) She was sure she had picked right. ahhh and the boat, she still shows that with pride.
You are lucky, and you were such a cutie!!!! hahahahaha

Love you and love the entry, dialog and pictures. (Love that tractor!)

(Thought for a minute Bill had painted the BLUE! LOL)

imac said...

What wonder of a post for Fathers day, great pics and story.

Now posting Scottish Isles holiday.

Gail said...

What a wonderful tribute.

A Primitive Homestead said...

Wonderful photo to hold fast in your mind. Blessings!
Lara

quiltmom anna said...

Beautiful story about your father- he sounds like he was a man of many talents and so well loved- Thanks for sharing his story.
Hope you and yours are having a lovely Father's Day.
Warmest regards,
Anna

Michelle said...

A wonderful tribute to your dad.

Paula said...

I'm sure your Dad is watching over you from above and very proud of you. Wonderful tribute.

Muffy's Marks said...

Oh Dar, what a beautiful tribute to your dad. The picture of him and your mom admiring his last work, is one to be treasured forever. Bless him.

Bonnie K said...

Thank you for sharing. A wonderful story about your father. What a beautiful boat. I also love the photo of your parents together. Thank you again.

Bonnie K said...

Thank you for sharing. A wonderful story about your father. What a beautiful boat. I also love the photo of your parents together. Thank you again.

Cher' Shots said...

As Daddy used to say 'brings a tear to my eye.' 'I'm all choked up!' 'Be still my heart.' Love and miss him so much!
'love & hugs from afar'