Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. -- Judy Garland Just like a poker hand...read it and weep. The reason I chose this quote was that Judy Garland and my Father were born in the same year,1922. All though he has been deceased since 2003 that year still rings clearly in my mind. Especially on this day, his Birthday. He never spoke much of the heart aches he had as a child growing up during the depression. He never shared his hurt after his father left him and his sister. Or even the courage he had to live up to his fathers expectations. He was a prideful man, he served his country with combined service and Shipyard service for over forty five years. He spoke of how Great his Country was, he never spoke negatively about his childhood. When visiting my Grandmother as a small child myself, he would walk me down the long country road, telling me stories of his youth, speaking of playing baseball between cherry trees which lined the street. He was a weathered looking man, the years had been hard on him. He worked out doors for over thirty years, he never aloud us to see his pain. He never had a cold, in twenty five years. He was devastated the first time he actually had one. Then he became a Grandfather, which was a whole new adventure in his life, which he adored. His Granddaughters could do no wrong in his eyes. As I worked the Homecoming last night, I thought back to my two elderly, sickly parents watching both their Granddaughters on the Homecoming court. The year was 2002...its seems like such a long time ago and so much has changed. I myself am now the Grandfather. Hopefully, I am living up to his expectations of me, and being as good of one as he was. I have a tournament this morning, but will be on a delay...for first I must go by the cemetery, wish my Dad a Happy Birthday, install a New Flag, tell him whats going on in my life at the moment. Look to the sky, as if he were watching over me. Take in my thoughts, wipe my tears and prepare to get to the field. He would never want me to take the time away from what I was doing. Holding his hand and watching him gasp to take his last breath, is something that will be etched in my mind forever. If you have your Father...call him, contact him, speak to him...Love him...as the circle of life closes...you will wish you did. RIP Dad. From a son who still tries to make you proud. Just like Judy Garland...he would tell me not to be a second rate version somebody else (quote) Have a Great Day!
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 11:02:53 +0000
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