Hard to believe that he’s been gone 19 years this November. Sad thing is I do not even remember the last Father’s Day that I had with him. I am sure that beyond a hastily chosen card I did nothing for him. But then I think remembering a passed father is not about every holiday that you spent with him. It is about all the times that you remember so vividly that you can describe in every detail.
For example I can remember riding home with him one night from a Boy Scout meeting. It was about 8:30 on a summer evening and Dad was listening to the 8-track player in his Black Chrysler New Yorker. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra was playing and we were passing the corner of 5th Ave & 11st St at what was then the “First National Bank of Huntington” building. We had the windows down and I was enjoying the cruise through town.
Why do I remember that so vividly? What was so special about that moment that it was seared in my memory? It was when Dad introduced me yet again to the music of Frank Sinatra but I actually paid attention that time. I remember thinking that this is not too bad, maybe all Dad’s music is not awful. Today when I listen to my Frank Sinatra music I think of Dad every time.
It is not always huge events, Holidays, or all the times that you think you should remember that end up being important to you when a parent passes. It is all the little times that you spent with them that mean nothing right then but yet live with you so vividly forever for one reason or another.
Happy Father’s Day Dad
what a beautiful entry. and cute picture!!
this is precious, jake. thanks for posting it. i love remembering fred h!! my last memory of him was when he was in the hospital and i really REALLY wanted him to sit up in that bed and let me have it. but i have so many other memories of him both when he actually DID let me have it and when he didn’t. he was good to me. and i love this picture, by the way. i expect that little boy to come knock on the back door at 2667 and ask for some jelly. =)