I thought perhaps a little photo collage of my time spent with Dad would be kind of refreshing for anyone interested. Usually I send off a few select photos to those on my ‘little list’, this time I’m sharing them with all of you – on my ‘little list’ and in the blog-o-sphere!
Me, Dad and Terry
Joe & hubby goofing off after dinner
Terry got to visit with Dad two times before he had to leave. The night before Terry left, Joe came over and we had a great mini-family dinner.
Dad at 93 practicing his clarinet (2016)
One day I walked in on Dad tooting the ole liquorice stick…
Dick with his first side by side milkshake (mine is on the left for art’s sake)
After one of many ‘care conferences’ for Dad, I treated baby bro to his first ever Steak and Shake side-by-side milkshake…and as a dutiful sister, promptly got him addicted!
Dad listening to Joe play.
Later, when Joe and I visited Dad, he didn’t feel like playing. He offered both his sax and clarinet for Joe to play instead. While I held up the sheet music, Joe sight-read an assortment of Dad’s arrangements of Jazz-standards.
Joe, Dad and me
Hamming it up for the photo-op
Wondering why Dad is always wearing his cap and jacket? It’s just all part of the mix of getting older I guess since it was close to 90F outside!
Here’s lookin’ at ya!
One day, Dad did decide to shed all that baggage!
Michelle, Dad and me
Towards the end of my extended stay, Michelle came into town for a friend’s wedding.
We got to see Dad one last time before I left.
And, I got to cook for my two kiddos…
Brother & Sister Together 4ever
Such precious photos of you and the family with your dear dad. I love the one of him playing the ‘liquorice stick’. 🙂
Just a wisp of what he once ‘was’ – yet the music still is there for him when he reaches out for it.
Thank you for stopping by, Sylvia.
Beautiful pictures, Laura. The love shared within your family is such a precious thing. It is so vibrant in the photographs and in your words. Thank you for sharing such a personal and private glimpse into your time with your dad. Sending up a prayer for you and yours tonight. <3
Prayers much appreciated and accepted with gusto.
These are more precious than my words can acknowledge; such special moments for you all, in myriad ways. Thank you for sharing; my love and prayers are with you. 😉
Those milkshakes look divine, just letting you know. 😀
memoriesmadepeace
You definitely ‘get it’ and I appreciate the support I feel from you, Anna.
As for those milkshakes – if ever you find a Steak and Shake in the Bay Area, run (do not walk) inside and order one of their side-by-sides!
iammoreatpeacepeace
Laura, this is wonderful! I knew you do music, and reading how your Dad was also an accomplished musician was heartwarming. More importantly, you painted a lovely picture of your Dad with photos and words. -Jennie-
Coming from ‘teacher’, this is high praise, indeed…thank you for that!
So musical talent runs in families, I see. 🙂 What a lovely way to bring us along on your visit, Laura!
Glad you took a peek at the collage, Linda. How’s the writing going?
Was it from your Dad you got your love of music?
Dad was the pro-Jazz musician and Ma loved all types of music, especially opera. Growing up we could belt out arias at the drop of a hat.
I’m so glad y’all got to see him and each other. 🙂
Me, too…each moment is precious.
Virtual hug to you, Jerusha (they don’t hurt!)
I like the collage idea. It was a pleasure to get to know your family.
Jane, you’re a sweetie to say so…
Talk about precious memories! Thanks for sharing. I was especially enamored of the snapshot of your dad “practicing” the clarinet!
You are more than welcome, Madame Lillian. Thank you for stopping by!