I was going through some boxes of letters and photographs and was so excited to find these two pictures.
This is my sister Addy 12 years ago at age 6 checking the mail in her dress-up dress and gloves and purple high heels. Checking the mailbox was a really big deal back then. :)
This is a picture of me and my dad at one of my bridal showers (hosted by my parents' neighbors) in 2002. My dad was not in attendance at this shower--but he popped his head in after work to tease the ladies and grab a handful of peanuts. Someone suggested he take a quick picture with me, so he did. (That's little Addy on the left looking on with pride.)
After the picture was developed, my mom told my dad he should write me a note on the back. My dad doesn't really do notes--not serious ones, anyway. He will gladly graffiti anything you hang on the refrigerator or leave lying around, but he doesn't do the sentimental stuff. But I am really glad he took my mom's suggestion, because I will forever have this gem.
This is as serious as it gets with him. I am sure he was squirming writing some of that but was much more in his comfort zone adding " . . . so far" to the "proud of all you've done in your life" part. And the P. S. --that is him at his finest. I laugh every time I read it.
I share all of this to say . . . never underestimate the meaningfulness of even the smallest note. You don't have to be profound when you tell someone you care--just take the time to do it. You can be yourself when you write. If things start to get awkward, just add an appropriate post script. :)
Amber that is priceless! Our two dads are two of a kind :). Very well written too.
ReplyDeleteKara, yes they are! I knew you could relate. :) Thanks for the comment. It's fun to hear from you! xo
ReplyDeleteThe advice about the post script is priceless! Great post, ambalini!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gina. Yes, that post script itself is priceless, and I figured we could all learn some lessons from my dad on speaking from the heart. :) Thank you for reading, friend!!
DeleteHow very special! I have been going through old photos--words of wisdom--write dates on the backs of ALL pictures!!!! (I know we don't do nearly as much printing anymore) Our memory does fade and it is hard to remember back! Thanks for your blog! I love it (and I love you)!
ReplyDeleteThat's good advice. :) Love you too!
DeleteI DO NOT know why, but I totally teared up at this. Maybe because Dillon is very similar (he may be a few measures more serious, but he would have HAD to make that joke at the end). Anyway, this is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteAw, LB. Yes, you of all people could definitely appreciate this since you're married to his son. You guys should write letters to each other every once in a while so you can preserve some of that sweetness and humor. :)
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