3/7/10

I had a father who read to me

Many fathers read to their children when they are little. But I was one of the few whose father read Silas Marner (why???) to the whole family. That was a rather lovely winter--us girls would sew while he read (and subtly changed the text to add interest)....Although, quite frankly, I have never felt the least bit of urge to go back and revisit the book.

My father could also, when he was in the right mood, tell the best whacked out Nancy Drew stories ever, complete with three dimensional settings built from our wooden blocks, with our Fisher Price dolls (the wooden ones that were bodies with heads) as the characters....

I am thinking of this now, because I've just come from saying goodbye to him. And even though I don't much think of my blog as a place to write about real life, it would be too strange not to mention this huge event here, where I spend so much time. So I am.

Goodbye, Papa.

18 comments:

  1. What a lovely tribute from such a lovely person.

    Huge hugs and sympathy,
    Tasha

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  2. Charlotte,

    I can't imagine not saying something about someone so huge in your life.

    Holding you in the Light.

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  3. I'm so sorry, Charlotte! He sounds like he was a wonderful father.

    I do know what you mean about not sharing personal news on the blog. But sometimes... it's the right thing. Because people do care.

    Hugs!

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  4. I found myself in a similar situation back in '92. For me, it was Oz books that he read, all the while doing the most wonderful voices for all the characters. A day does not go by that I don't think of him and it will be the same for you. Still though, as long as we remember our loved ones, they will never leave us.

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  5. I think that was lovely.

    My family was similar. When Harry Potter first came out my sister and I were very young so Mum and Dad used to read it out loud. We were still reading it as a family when the 7th book came out!

    I would never give up those moments and I am sure you would not too!

    http://mistysmess.blogspot.com/

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  6. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's great that you have so many memories of him reading to you and telling you stories.

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  7. Your words are perfect for someone who so profoundly affected your life.

    Thank you for sharing a piece of him with us.

    Love and deepest sympathy,

    Heather

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  8. Oh Charlotte, I am so sorry. Please know that you have my deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

    As to the blend of Fisher Price dolls and Nancy Drew...well that has put a smile on my face for a long long time. (And man...do I ever wish I had thought of that more than 30 years ago!)

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  9. Charlotte--I lost my father unexpectedly five years ago; there's nothing like it. I appreciate how in just a few words, you've painted a lovely portrait of your dad. Take care.

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  10. What a sweet and moving tribute. So sorry for your loss.

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  11. And although I know you are "fine" as well, I am sending you a hug across the miles.

    What a memory! Silas Mariner!!!

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  12. Oh, Charlotte. I am sorry. Thinking of you and sending love from across the miles in the other direction.

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  13. Oh, Charlotte. I'm glad you have wonderful memories of your father. I'm sure you'll treasure them. Hugs and prayers.

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  14. I'm so sorry, Charlotte. Lovely tribute.

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  15. Thank you all! Your kind thoughts are much appreciated.

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  16. I know this is late, but I wanted to say that you and your family are in my thoughts.

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  17. Charlotte, I am very sorry for your loss. I'm glad you have such memories.

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  18. I'm coming in very late from a blog hiatus, but I wanted to leave a little note at least. Thank you for this tribute to your father.

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