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My humorous thoughts about life.

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Monday, June 18, 2012

#GBE2: Memory

This week's writer's post is to write about two days ago. Heck! I can't remember two days ago or much of yesterday for that matter. I'm guessing I probably hung out on the couch in my post surgery laziness.

Now ask me about forty-seven years ago and I can give you vivid details. I had my first surgery right before my third birthday. The people in the scary blue outfits gave me something and told me to go to sleep, but I didn't. I lay awake on my stomach and watched blue people wash their hands. Whenever anyone ventured near me, I snapped my eyes shut and pretended to be asleep because I was scared I'd get in trouble for not minding them. Don't worry, I fell asleep before they took my tonsils out and removed my hemangioma.

I'd be in black and white!
I remember age four. I had to go to the bathroom and was so proud of the fact that I did it without telling my mom. I still remember sitting on that toilet seat thinking, I am so grown up. Then I made a conscious decision to remember this moment. And I do.

Sometimes one can actually force a memory on a child. My father died when my kids were five, three, and eight months. The year and a half before his death was an awful time of him lying in bed with pail skin and no legs. Yet at his low moment, he lifted his head and made a funny face at the baby. That was my wonderful Dad.

I wanted my kids to remember Dad, but not the illness part--the fun Dad who was a loving grandfather. My mother was in the hospital (a story for another post) and Dad wanted to show my kids something fun. Art students had made a wonderful, life sized, wooden bus. My kids, then three and one, relished in climbing all over it.

For years after that, I said, "Remember when Grandpa took you to see the bus?" Alas, the twenty-two year old has no memory of the event; however, the twenty-four year old has a beautiful life time memory of fun with his grandfather!

A day late, but I'd like to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day. Oh how I wish I could.

20 comments:

Jo said...

Nice and very emotional. Memories are odd aren't they? Somethings refuse to leave our minds and others hold no value and slip into oblivion. Mine is very selective. ♥

Binky said...

It's interesting how we can have vivid memories of specific events from so long ago, but can't remember what we ate yesterday.

k~ said...

Very nice glimpses Joyce.

Pearl said...

Hi Joyce,
First of all, thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog. I appreciate it very much.

I hope you are better now after your surgery.

I can't help but be emotional when I read about your father. I lost mine in 2007, when my son is just 4. We are both blessed to have loving and great fathers and grandfathers to our kids...
xoxo,
Pearl

Mrs.D said...

I totally agree with Binky! Really true..:)

Thanks for sharing your story Joyce...it's great to be here! Thanks for dropping by.

Phoenixritu said...

Memories ... so poignant and wonderful. This reminded me of my parents. Must ask my sons what they remember of their grandparents

Romance Reader said...

Thanks for sharing your story!

Riya

Rina said...

a beautiful story indeed!

The_First_30_years said...

Dad's are amazing! You are so lucky to have had a great father with a triumphant spirit...even in his pain he was making others smile.
Great memories .... and thanks for sharing the toilet photo...brave woman! :)

Tara Tyler said...

that was so sweet! 1st potty, post surgery and all. our memories make make us!

Jennifer Shirk said...

Aww...now I have tears in my eyes. I miss my dad and wish I could tell him Happy Father's Day too.

Small Town Mommy said...

I miss my dad too. Unfortunately he died before either of my kids were born. He would have loved them. Your older child is lucky to have the memory of him.

The Frizzy Hooker said...

Thanks. your stories were sweet

Unknown said...

What wonderful stories and amazing memories. Loved your post Joyce!

Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com

Brenda Stevens said...

oooooh this made me cry.........just adore your spirit! ((hugs)) i so hear you

Anonymous said...

Oh this made me nostalgic and I had promised not to cry but .. very sweet post. Memories , the bittersweet moments we all treasure. Lovely.

Unknown said...

What wonderful memories. What wonderful parents to make certain you had positive memories to guide you through life. Nicely done.

Amy McMunn said...

The stories were wonderful...and that picture of your dad at the end? His sense of humor is evident! I love that shot!

Thanks for the great read.

Anonymous said...

Ah, this was very nice. :O)

angelaparsonmyers said...

A beautiful post. Your father sounds like a very special person.

My kids were lucky to have their grandparents for so long. In fact, even my grandkids remember them. I lost my father about 5 years ago and my mother about 3 years ago, both in their mid-80s.

Hope you're feeling much better now.