Fragments of My Father

[amanda_waldo]

It's that time of year again. The leaves are changing and my birthday draws near. I remember when October was my favorite month. In many ways it still is, but it's become difficult as well. Friday will mark two years since my dad unexpectedly left us all here to our own devices. I miss him everyday and will probably continue to do so until my own

Comments

[letter4no1]

I know this is a hard time of the year for you, but your post is so full of hope that it makes me happy your doing well.

What you said about your father living on through you reminds me of that part in Harry Potter (I believe it's in Half Blood Prince) when Harry is talking about how so long as they sill believed in Dumbledore he'd still be there. People live on through our memories of them, and from what it sounds like your dad is still there in your heart.

Miss you Manders!

[amanda_waldo]

I miss you too!

I think the part you mention from Harry Potter is a prime example of what makes JK Rowling's writing so accessible. It's actually one of my favorite things about well written fantasy. It doesn't matter that she write about witches and wizards - people can still relate to the characters and empathize with their victories and defeats.

Let me know when you're home for Christmas. I'd like for you to come visit my new home!

[iapetusneume]

What you talk about with having your Dad there with you even though his physical presence is gone is something that I hadn't really believed in until my Grandma passed away recently. She was the last of my parents' parents (besides my Dad's step-parents, who are awesome and I love them dearly but I'm getting off-topic), and it felt not like closing a book, but turning a page. My story continues, but she's always going to be there in the pages before. I have these precious memories that people can't take away from me. When my grandma died I knew she loved me with all her heart. She told me that she was proud of me, and I will carry this through the rest of my life.

I'm glad that you are doing ok. I'm glad that you are pushing forward with your life and your dreams, and that you had such a wonderful relationship with your dad. You also have something very precious that can't be taken from you. I'm still thinking about you, though, and I know you will get stronger.

[amanda_waldo]

Thanks Becky.

I'm sorry to hear about your grandma, but very happy to hear she expressed how proud of you she was. It's funny sometimes the small things like that make the biggest impressions in our lives. The last time I saw my dad a week or so before he died, I hugged him and told him I loved him. I wouldn't trade that memory for anything.

[anonymous]

i've never read any of your stuff before but am surprised with how well you write. im sorry about your dad, i didn't know him but im sure you're making him proud.