Sunday, June 19, 2011

My Father.

Sultan's Armed Forces, Oman
 

I would have to write a book to tell you about my father but what I can say in a few words is that he was a colourful character, a disciplinarian, an achiever,  never one to take 'no' for an answer, one not always easy to live up to,   compassionate, respected by his peers and loved by his family. So many words to describe this military, highly decorated man of many talents.  Hot tempered in youth, mellowed with age, adventurer, great conversationalist with a fantastic sense of humour.

My love of books and music was inherited from this multi faceted man who had a permanent twinkle in his eye and a ferocious appetite for life.  He packed a great deal into his 65 years on this earth and on Father's Day as every day, almost 25 years after his death I still miss him terribly.  Gone too early because a medical condition was not detected during a compulsory, annual company medical.

I imagine him in heaven, book in hand listening to maybe Lehar, Shirley Bassey, Tchaikovsky, Tom Jones, The Sand Pipers or Verdi with my mother at his side and his forever faithful Golden Labrador at his feet.

I will raise a glass to you today Daddy and remember the laughter, the love, the reprimands (yes there were reprimands when my best was not good enough!) the encouragement, the debates, the heated discussions,  and the time we did spend together as we got to know each other and came to understand one another over the 65 years of a wonderful if at times trying, father and daughter relationship.

11 comments:

  1. what a lovely tribute to your dad

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aww that is wonderful Barbara,beautifully written.
    I never knew my Dad, he died when I was 10months old, I missed out on lots of things I am sure with not having him around, I have never called anyone Dad in my life.
    It sounds like you had a very wonderful interesting colourful life Barbara.

    ReplyDelete
  3. a beautiful tribute to your dad. i miss mine, too...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fabulous photo Bee - and a lovely tribute.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fantastic! And what a great picture!
    *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a beautiful tribute to your father. I would have liked to have met him.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Being one who had a father across the country and a detached stepfather at home I have always played this "I-want-that-man-for-my- daddy! game. Your dad would qualify as one of those men. You were lucky to have him, and I know he was lucky to have you as his loving daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such a lovely tribute. He must have been wonderful. I love the photo.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Touching....makes me remember the good times and the time wasted. I will cherish my memories forever. God bless Barbs.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Barbara, I am researching a man who was a friend of your father and mother. Would like to make contact. David

    ReplyDelete

You are always welcome here . Thank you for visiting.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...