Long Hollow

I dreamed of Daddy two nights ago. He stood at a distance from me, like at the end of a hallway, a big smile on his face. And then he was beside me, giving me a hug. We talked, but I don't remember what was said. 

It was Daddy, circa 1980's or 1990's, strong and healthy, and then Mama was there, too, only I didn't recognize her at first because it was her 13-year-old self. 

Dreams can be very strange, can't they? But also very comforting. I miss my mom and dad, but I woke with a sense that they are doing just fine. 

I recently returned from a long visit with my mother-in-law, where I bumped into memories of Pop everywhere, from the carafe of chilled red wine in the refrigerator to games of cribbage and 3-13, and especially in the faces of his sons as they approach the age he was when I met him. 

How blessed I've been to have such wonderful fathers in my life, including the father of my children. None were perfect, but parenthood is a "learn-as-you-go" adventure. They did the best they could. The important thing is that they let love guide them through the uncharted waters (because each child is a new and unique territory!)

You can't go wrong with real honest-to-goodness unconditional love. 

In honor of Father's Day, here's a repeat of an old post, just because it's one of my favorites, along with this one and this one.  I hope you like it, too, and I hope all of you fathers have had a wonderful day, with the love you've given repaid back to you. 

 

What does a father do?

 

A father gives advice 

A father nourishes the body 

and soul 

A father encourages

A father is joyful

A father reads

A father lends a hand 

 

A father plays 

 

A father offers support 

 

A father sticks close by your side

 

A father makes memories

A father teaches 

A father laughs 

A father is gallant

 

A father proves age is just a number

 

A father reaches out 

A father hangs on tight

A father helps you aim high

A father shows pride 

A father sets a good example to follow

A father relaxes

A father listens

 

A father keeps you honest

 

A father helps out

 

A father loves

 

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.

~Author Unknown