"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose." ~From the television show The Wonder Years
When I close my eyes with the hopes of catching a glimpse of him, I can usually find him perched in the old blue recliner. He loved those Miami Dolphins and peanuts. Combine the two and within moments of the first kick, he'd be yelling "aww c'mon!" at the different players or referees. The snap of the peanut shell and the crunch they made as he chewed matched the volume of the roaring fans, whistles, and grunts coming from the television.
Or I may spot him in Port Lucaya on a Sunday afternoon. You see, our family would go out and get ice cream together from time to time. He was so strong back then...strong enough to tote his 4-year old daughter around on his shoulders. I can't remember the sound of his voice or laugh, but I remember his smile. Even from my elevated position, I could see the curve of his lips and his pretty white teeth...he was happy then.
He could also be found in the same recliner with a plate full of sabbath-lunch delicacies. This always made me chuckle because he knew he shouldn't have been eating the macaroni and cheese, chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, peas and rice, and all the other tasty treats...but he did it. He was determined to lead a normal life. I can see the look on my mother's face - filled with concern and disapproval at his meal choices. But she wasn't about to argue with Dr. Roach....not then...
But once my eyes are open, and I realize those are mere memories, I'm filled with a deep sadness. There isn't a day that passes that I don't think of my father. He was a great man and he impacted the lives of many people. He loved completely and unreserved; and that is one of the traits I hope to have acquired. But even when I'm sad, I think on these times and I shed happy tears knowing that I will always have my memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment