Lord knows my 22 years w/ Dad we’re unique (kind of like me). There were bad things and good things, and I’ll try to concentrate on the good.
When I think about Dad I think of croquet and horseshoes. I now have my own croquet set which I play by myself to get some sun. I’m too damn old to even think about “laying out” in the sun. I can work in the sun and play in the sun, but that’s as much I can do now.
For about 20 years I’ve had a respectable garden . (I had a patch in Xenia, but it wasn’t very big.) I think about all the years we “had” to work in the massive gardens Dad always tended. I swear there was an acre of potatoes that the kids had to pick up and store for the winter after Dad shoveled up the hills. It didn’t hurt any of us, but it was grusome at the time! I am thankful for the work ethic I have now. Too many young people have no clue what it’s like to truly WORK!
I still didn’t like Dad much when I married Jerry Bush. We actually had a moment during the reception and I was so afraid he would fall into the Bushs’ pool…he thankfully didn’t. I was 18 1/2 when I got married. I’ve done that a few times since, BUT the funniest thing was about 35 years later (at Mom’s funeral) I didn’t even recognize Jerry when he was standing right in front of me. It really made me wonder what the heck I mourned about for 10 years after we split…the first and the second time, but I did get a carat diamond ring to remember him by. Ah, memories!
I may add to this later, but now I have to get out to the garden and try to make Dad proud of what I learned so many years ago.
Love,
Vickie
PS: I remember not ever saying I love you or hugging and kissing the ones I truly care about until Dad died…now it’s just an automatic feeling and greeting or good-byeing and that is a very good thing!