Tonight's photo was taken in June of 2004. We took Mattie to visit Peter's parents in Boston. As you can see Mattie was enjoying his time on their tree swing. The ironic part in all of this was when Mattie was initially introduced to any sort of swing, he was cautious and didn't particularly care for the motion. However, he definitely overcame that fear and not only came to love motion, but loved the adventure that motion could produce..... such as roller coasters for example.
Quote of the day: It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't. ~ Barbara Kingsolver
For dads, whose child has died, it is hard to know how to acknowledge Father's Day. After all there are no cards and hugs coming their way from their children who died all too soon. Yet these men will always be fathers. In a way it takes a great deal of nurturing, energy, and devotion to keep the memory of a child alive within one's heart and in the minds of others. A few days ago I received this poem from a grief organization, and posted it on Facebook and now the blog. The premise of the poem is to acknowledge father's who lost a child, and if the child could talk to them on Father's Day, this is what the child would say. But notice that on the top of the poem, it says "Dear Mr. Hallmark." What I love about this is it is a message to Hallmark...... start making cards for moments like ours!
I send this message to my dad from not so far away because I know this day is hard - it's nearly Father's Day.
I know that we just talked about a card for moms this year, and how no cards were anywhere for an angel like me to share.
And now I find no card again for a dad as great as mine. To thank him for the life he gave to his child whose gone in time.
He's still the one that I call Dad. Wherever I may reside He tries so hard to comfort mom. Sometimes his tears he hides.
I hear him as he talks to me, to my picture or to the air. You see I really need a way to let him know I'm there.
It's hard for me to comfort him to soothe away his sighs. To tell him, "Dad I am okay, I'm right here at your side."
I see in both my mom and dad they grieve in different ways. I know they love me equally, please tell them it's okay.
My dad he cries while in the car, the shower hides his tears. He holds to all of his regrets while rethinking all my years.
I need some way to tell him he did it all just fine. That no one is so perfect - to give love is what's divine.
And so you see, dear Hallmark man, I need to let him know he's the best dad ever then and now - giving all he can bestow.
My dad, my friend, the one with whom I could walk and talk and play - He needs to be remembered too, like the others on Father's Day.
Please help me find that special way to tell him all he's been. That by his side each day I'll stay until reunited again.
In honor of Father's Day, here are some photos of Peter and Mattie through the years!
with Mattie. We saw the seasons change together, and not to mention we watched Mattie grow up on the island (from being carried on as a baby to him running around on his own).
1 comment:
Vicki,
Your quote today is perfect for so many thoughts and emotions, I had today. Thinking about all the dads, who long to hold their child, hug their child and spend the day celebrating fatherhood. I know so many who live this life.
In a split second life can change, I learned this a long time ago. It makes me reflect on my life and never take for granted people in my life.
I hope too, that the knowledge of the tenuous hold, we all have on life makes me more sensitive and caring to others.
Thank you for each picture, you posted today. They were testimony to the strength and love that flowed and continues to flow through the three of you constantly.
Mattie's life was way too short and for this I am profoundly always sorry. Thank you for all the things, you teach me. There are many great lessons in all our conversations and what we write to each other. I feel Mattie's presence in all the pictures and conversations!!!!!
Margy
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