Thank you, Heather. Like you and your family, I grew up in Los Angeles and spent many memorable days camping in the Sierras with my family, going to the Mojave desert to see the wildflowers, and even watching my heroic father on top of our roof during the Bel Air fires (no, he didn't bring his 4 year old up with him, but wished he had as I was scared to death). All of those memories come flooding back as I read your beautiful tribute to your father and the values he instilled in you. Lucky are your sons who do still get that part of your dad. And those ripples will probably continue for generations. Sadly, we never really think about the effects our ancestors have imparted upon us, as silent and powerful as they may be. And thank you for the work you and Brett do. Mere words will never be able to convey the appreciation we have for you both.
Thank you, Heather, for sharing a rich, honest and vividly beautiful memoir of your father and your childhood. You are certainly blessed with a full life and quite engaging and present parents. And the food descriptions...wow!
Wow, it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing. It was 10 years for me last spring. Our fathers still teach us long after they are gone. It's funny how their voices still come back precisely when the wisdom in their words is unlocked.
I haven't read the whole thing. It's a lot to process in one sitting. I lost my father on the cusp of the millinium and my mother last July, and with my brother gone I feel like an orphan at 70 yo. All of them, even my older brother were there for me. And my mother's parents were very important to me growing up as well. Almost to her dying day did my mother praise and give thanks to the quality of my father's relationship with his in-laws. I would not describe my childhood as Idyllic, and probably my late brother would not either. Neither of us had children. Something that I regret, even though I could never be the fathers that my father and grandfather were to their children. Memories seem to be the greatest consolation of old age. I would hate to get feeble and foolish without them for some comfort.
Wow. And what a timely article for me. I was just in a discussion this morning on the lessons learned from and what we appreciated most about our parents. It was an opportunity for me to once again reflect and remember their influence in making me the woman I am today. This also gives insight in to how you grew into the complex, interesting person you are. Kudos.
Oh Heather, I wish I could give you a hug. Reading this it's so easy to understand why you miss your father so much.
Thank you, Heather. Like you and your family, I grew up in Los Angeles and spent many memorable days camping in the Sierras with my family, going to the Mojave desert to see the wildflowers, and even watching my heroic father on top of our roof during the Bel Air fires (no, he didn't bring his 4 year old up with him, but wished he had as I was scared to death). All of those memories come flooding back as I read your beautiful tribute to your father and the values he instilled in you. Lucky are your sons who do still get that part of your dad. And those ripples will probably continue for generations. Sadly, we never really think about the effects our ancestors have imparted upon us, as silent and powerful as they may be. And thank you for the work you and Brett do. Mere words will never be able to convey the appreciation we have for you both.
Touching in every way. You have a gift and I am delighted to be able to share it. Many thanks.
That took my breath away and sent me down my own lane of memory. Thank you!
Thank you, Heather, for sharing a rich, honest and vividly beautiful memoir of your father and your childhood. You are certainly blessed with a full life and quite engaging and present parents. And the food descriptions...wow!
Wow, it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing. It was 10 years for me last spring. Our fathers still teach us long after they are gone. It's funny how their voices still come back precisely when the wisdom in their words is unlocked.
I haven't read the whole thing. It's a lot to process in one sitting. I lost my father on the cusp of the millinium and my mother last July, and with my brother gone I feel like an orphan at 70 yo. All of them, even my older brother were there for me. And my mother's parents were very important to me growing up as well. Almost to her dying day did my mother praise and give thanks to the quality of my father's relationship with his in-laws. I would not describe my childhood as Idyllic, and probably my late brother would not either. Neither of us had children. Something that I regret, even though I could never be the fathers that my father and grandfather were to their children. Memories seem to be the greatest consolation of old age. I would hate to get feeble and foolish without them for some comfort.
Wow. And what a timely article for me. I was just in a discussion this morning on the lessons learned from and what we appreciated most about our parents. It was an opportunity for me to once again reflect and remember their influence in making me the woman I am today. This also gives insight in to how you grew into the complex, interesting person you are. Kudos.
I try not to speed more than 25% over the speed limit
Thank you so much for that portrait of a great dad. The father/daughter bond is so important! I had the benefit of a good one too.
In the night time of the blood,
They are laughing and saying,
Our little lane,
What a kingdom it was!
Galway Kinnell
That was beautiful and touching. It's not easy to capture a life in an essay. You did well...my heart (I lost my dad in 2020).
While I have had a good life and have no real complaints, I wish that I might have grown up with a father like yours (mine died when I was three).
Again Heather well done.
My dear, first-gen USA, WWII vet, mathematician, tuba-playing father was also color-blind. So is my son.
What a beautiful remembrance of a special father and life lived. Thank you for sharing