My dad is the true family storyteller. I have a thousand memories of hearing his fabulous, fantastical tales throughout my childhood. He's intuitively talented in the art of the cliffhanger ending...and I spent endless energy as a kid trying to get him to tell me MORE (now!!) of the story. Not to make me WAIT (no!!!) until its continuation the next day. Verbal page-turners, that's how I remember those magical tales.My dad did not succeed in passing down to me his love of gardening (or, let's face it, any skill AT ALL when it comes to plants--LOL). I could never fall in love with the game of backgammon. And, while I always liked tennis, I didn't have his genuine passion for that, either.
I think of his stories every day, though, and I never cease to appreciate them. The creative structure, the excellent pacing and the strong morals inherent in the narration...the well-drawn characters and exotic settings...sigh. However much I may formally study the craft of writing fiction, a part of me will still always hold my dad's storytelling as the standard because, above all, I was compelled by his tales. I cared about what happened. And decades later, I still remember them.
Thanks, Dad. Happy Father's Day!! xoxo
Wishing all the dads out there a wonderful day as well. For those reading, any favorite memories of your fathers or grandfathers?
11 comments:
Happy Father's Day to all! My kids love my dad's stories and will say 'grandaddy tell me about...' of course my dad responds, 'oh I only tell that story once a year.' My kids go NUTS!!
My dad died when I was 5. I remember him and his sense of humor, but not vividly. How blessed you are to have such a great memories.
Tonya~I can only imagine their outrage :). I used to go crazy if made to wait a whole 24 hours! Wishing you all a fabulous day!!
Oh, Edie, I'm terribly sorry for your loss, especially being so young when it happened. I know I've been fortunate to have my parents with me for so many years, and I don't take that for granted. Hugs and warm thoughts for you and your family today...
What a lovely post! You're lucky to have such a wonderful father, and he's lucky to have such a great daughter, too!
Aw, Pamela, thank you, hon!! ;) xo Hope you're having a wonderful start to the week!
What a really great post, Marilyn. You brought up two things that my dad and I actually loved to do together - backgammon and tennis. I remember vividly winning the father/daughter tennis tournament with him and being so proud. I thought my dad was the best. I miss him.
Robin~how wonderful that you and your dad shared so much and were so close... I have no doubt he was very proud of you. I remember your beautiful blog tribute to him. I know you must have missed him a lot this weekend. {hug}
How wonderful! Lol-my dad did not pass down his love for gardening to me either!
Brittany~I'm so glad I'm not the only one!! I always felt so guilty not being able to garden. I love the *idea* of it, but the reality...sigh! :)
My father was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and given six months to live. And he has shown what a fighter he is by making it past a yr. Stubborn is he and stubborn am I. I have made six or is it 7 now? trips in the past year. He is in CA and I in WA. Each time I learn more, appreciate more, and yes, fight more. More tears, more laughter. And man, do I know where I get my sarcasm! I am an only child so there has been a lot of business to take care of. That is the hardest. But again we stay on track and do what has to be done. We are tough, he and I.
Enjoy your dads, ladies. And yes, I am a Daddy's girl. At 50! :)
Miriama~I hope your father continues to fight hard and beat those odds. He's so fortunate to have your support and care. Sending good thoughts and much strength to you both!
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