Monday, July 9, 2012

daddy's girl

"There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself. " ~John Gregory Brown, Decorations in a Ruined Cemetery, 1994 






Dear Dad,


Its hard to imagine its been two years ago July 5th, that you passed on to your heavenly home.  I see myself perched on your lap on the old "pontoon."  We never had fancy.  We never did name brand, or expensive.  The cabin was rustic with an outhouse and all eleven cousins slept in a loft overhead.  I can still smell the sawdust that clung to you no matter how many times you washed.  You were undoubtedly fishing, and a can of Old Milwaukee is probably hovering somewhere nearby.  Its a wonder lake water doesn't course through my veins.  







I have a love of the simple things, just like you.  A rusty shovel, a tin can, the sun, the sand, and lake water lapping at my feet.  Ahh, bliss.



Who and what we love is clearly written on our faces.  My baby brother, Lee, must have been just a month old. 





So, just like we did two years ago, we all came together.  This past week, Lee came home with Kelly and Madi and Alex.  




The cousins picked up right where they left off.  They built forts out of grandma's blankets.  Went tubing  at the lake.  Ate Hawaiian pizza at Zorbaz.  Stayed up way past their bedtime, and laughed so hard their cheeks hurt.  
















We told old stories.  Whispered about the things we hope our children will never find out we did.  We laughed.  Kelly cried.  Nobody wanted to leave.  

The kids all decided to go to The University of Minnesota and live in the same house some day.  Except Nolan. No way would he ever be a Gopher, not even for the love of his cousins.  

We took mom to church and filled up an entire pew- yep the back one, just like always.  And we pointed out all the things your hard working and skilled hands had made for the church.  The baptismal fount, the table that holds the guestbook, the information kiosk, etc.  Then we sat down with pastor Roger and discussed the stained glass artwork going on two wooden frames, made in memorial to you.  

Pastor Roger's sermon talked asked us to think about what we want people to remember about us.  Dad, I want them to remember, I am a Daddy's girl, who grew up to be just like you.  



This is a really big week.  I feel as though I am traveling at light speed through my days.  Today I have sedation at 1pm with an mri scheduled at 2 pm.  We will peek at my pesky brain blob and see if the zap we aimed at it took hold.  I will get results early Wednesday morning.  I'm taking my prayer list with me and if anyone would like to be included, please feel free to leave me a request here or in an email.  Blessings to you all... 










31 comments:

  1. Dear Vicky,

    my prayers will be with you! All the best!!!! I am thinking about you and your words about your dad are so sweet. He is very proud, I am sure!

    Bussals
    Mimi

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    1. Sweet friend- thank you for your prayers and well wishes :) Blessings and love to you!

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  2. I will pray and pray and pray and cross my fingers and my legs and my arms and my fingers and my toes. Your brain is so good, your mind is amazing, I BELEIVE!!!!

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    1. Thanks Barb- your belief just boosts mine- so thank you :)

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  3. Yes, lots of prayers for you as you go thru this week. Bless your heart, here you have so much going on in your own life and yet you reach out to me with support and caring. I'm honored.

    I love the way you write. I could feel your dad in this post.

    Marla

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    1. Hi Marla,

      how fun to see you show up here :) I start to feel too self-absorbed sometimes and its far easier to remember its not about me when I can immerse myself in being available for someone else. I'm honored if my words captured a fraction of my Dad :)

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  4. Sounds like such a lovely way to spend the week remembering your dad and making memories.

    Praying hard for you today.

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    1. Thanks Melissa- the prayers always sustain me and I hope you feel them in return.

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  5. Thinking of you Vicky this week and everyday...

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    1. Thanks Bonnie :) I hope to get to see all of you soon :)

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  6. Oh, Vicki, what a beautiful tribute to your dad. The cousins look like they had such fun playing together! You have been in my prayers already this morning as I thought today was the day. My prayer request is always for my sister, but I know you are praying already for her. Praying for peace for you and your family during the procedure and calm in the waiting. My word this year seems to be shield and it showed up again in my Bible reading, praying that He will be your shield today and always.

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    1. Becky, i love the word "shield" and kept thinking about it the whole time. Thank you for the encouragement and prayers. Melissa has been on my mind and in my prayers for sure...

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  7. Will be thinking of you today and especially Wednesday.

    Hugs and prayers,
    Michelle

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    1. Thanks Michelle- I hope this week is going better for you :) Stay strong girlie...

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  8. Vicky, the best day is waking up to a comment from you. Thanks for being the first to tap my post this morning. I'm hoping I've reached you in time to wish you a blessed day. Yes, I want it to be, despite what it's about, blessed. I want the Lord to speak to you, to remind you of His presence, His love, His caring. That's the prayer I want you to take with you today. And when you are meditating on good things, all you have to do is call to mind this beautiful post, this tribute to your father and how he filled your soul and led you to the Father. Thank you for blessing me, once again, through your words. XXOO, Roxane

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    1. Thank you Roxane- I still owe you a reply on another subject and will get to that shortly! Thank you for your encouragement- i will take it with me again today!

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  9. Trusting that all will be well.

    This was such a loving tribute for your father. It helps me understand the heritage of courage, strength, beauty and grace that you exhibit. Blessings, Vicky. As you lift others in prayer, may your needs be met.

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  10. I always like coming here and seeing pictures of you enjoying time away with your family. Laughter is good for the soul and your body!!!

    Your writings and memories about your father were beautiful. Knowing that you can go into this church and see the many beautiful reminders of his handiwork is surely a gift. And, your brother Lee looks so much like your Dad! :0)

    Praying for you today, Vicky as always, believing that God has your right in His hands. xxoo

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    1. Eileen- Lee does look like my Dad more and more! Thank you for your sweet words and prayers- xoxo

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  11. You will be in my thoughts today & always : ) I hope we can work something out with the boys this week, if not soon! Lots of love to you!

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  12. What wonderful, special memories of times with family. Your Dad sounds like a great man.
    Glad you all had a nice weekend.
    You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  13. beautiful Vicky - your kind soul continues to bless me as to your words and support!

    love you dear friend! praying today goes perfectly smooth and the results will be good news - trust we must trust because He already knows!

    xoTiffany

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  14. what a beautiful post. a tribute and a letter and a journal page all in one.
    and now i'm sending you some big old prayers for your MRI !!!
    ox

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  15. You are an amazing and inspirational woman! What a wonderful tribute to your dad--it is evident his love lives through you! Prayers for you and your results!

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  16. Beautiful email to your Dad. He will read it and feel very blessed he had wonderful children.
    Keeping my fingers crossed till Wednesday :)

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  17. Praying for you... be strong and take courage...

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  18. I loved seeing your memories, family and lake cabin.

    So much love will eventually crowd out any naughty cells.

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  19. This post made me cry, Vicky. So beautiful....so poignant. It felt like it physically touched me. Can't say it any more clearly.....I love your dad through you and miss him for you. Very glad you got to have this incredible time with your brother and his family. Praying for you tonight as you do battle again tomorrow. Big hugs to you.

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  20. Somehow I think that your Daddy is still watching over you and caring for you as he did his entire life. He had a sweet smile that I will always remember - mostly because it always came to his face for you as his eyes lit up whenever he say you -- you were daddy's girl. The missing never gets easier...

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  21. This here blog is a legacy Vicki. Such beautiful writing as always. As a daddy's girl myself this post bought with it a few tears too. I am catching up on posts I have missed.

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I welcome what you have to say. Thanks for taking the time to grace me with your thoughts and words!

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