Last week, August 3rd, marked the seven year anniversary of my Dad's death.
Wow!!! I can't believe it's been that long. In some ways, the time has flown, but then again, it seems to have been more than a whole lifetime since I had my Dad around.
I have to say, I have managed to keep myself afloat a little better than I thought I would without his guidance. Even though he is not with me in the physical sense, my Dad is always with me in my heart. Absolutely every important decision I make, I still consider how my Dad would feel.
When my Dad found out he was sick, we started discussing his final wishes. He wanted to be cremated and have his ashes scattered out at Adam's Mill Covered Bridge. That's exactly what we did. Now instead of going to visit Dad in a cemetary, I get to go out to a beautifully restored mill and covered bridge. It's so peaceful there. I never once have felt sad or solemn when I go there. Just like my Dad, I am a lover of the outdoors and nature. I think he knew it would be easier on me if his remains were in a peaceful setting. The pictures above show the bridge in the condition it was in when Dad passed away (1998), and then, in 1999, after the bridge was renovated.
On the anniversary of his death, I always go to Adam's Mill and take the tops from daisies or carnations and throw them into the creek. It is so nice to watch them float downstream knowing that they're following the same path as my father.
Even though my love, Ryan, never had the chance to meet my Dad, he has made a tremendous effort to get to know everything possible about him. I know that my Dad would be thrilled to know that I have someone so loving and caring in my life. Ryan knows how important my relationship with my Dad was, and jumps at the chance to learn about him. I am so thankful to have someone who is involved in everything he knows is important to me.
On August 3rd, Ryan and I went to Adam's Mill. It was the first time I have ever taken anyone with me besides my mother. He was so compassionate, and so tender with every word. We took my puppy, Franklin, and had a little picnic together. I felt so close to the two most important men in my life that day. It was very serene.
I love sharing memories of my Dad with Ryan.
3 comments:
i'm so glad you have ryan. i miss uncle robby.
7 years???? Wow. I can't believe it! Ryan is such a sweetheart. I'm glad you have him to share special things with.
I still can't listen to "In my life" without thinking of Robby. I've loved that song almost my entire life and had no idea it would be played that day.
He told me when I got divorced that I didn't have to worry about what people thought about it or why it happened because my family loved me no matter what. Even though I told him so I don't know if he really ever knew how much I appreciated it.
I miss his laugh and playing games with him. He rocked!!! So smart, dang he always kicked our butts!
I'm with you Allison, he's with me all the time!
Andrea
In the 11 years I knew Uncle Robby, I loved him instantly.
He was ONE of the first people beside Andrea, Dale, and Cinda that welcome me in to our family after Brent purposed Christmas Morning 1988.
He had the BEST Contagious Laugh.
He made everyone laugh and smile all the time.
I have LOVED "In my Life" for a very very long time.
Every time I listen to it now I just sit and listen because I don’t think I ever REALLY listen to the lyrics.
It's a wonderful SONG.
Post a Comment