Monday, August 31, 2009

I hate this day

14 years ago, I lost my Dad. He was my best friend, my mentor, my son's namesake. He taught me how to make a perfect gin martini, and introduced me to fine single malt Scotch. He encouraged me in all my whims and desires. He let me read any book in the house that I picked up, which is how I came to read most of Robert Ludlum before I was in high school, and he patiently explained the Cold War to me because of it. He was a Naval veteran of the Korean War, although he rarely talked about it. He taught me to cook, and better, to enjoy the whole act of cooking and make it an integral part of entertaining. When I went to business school and art school, he supported me through it all. He loved it when I was in art school, doing most of the assignments along with me - he harboured a secret desire to be an artist. Or a chef. In my eyes he was both. I wish I had been a sock knitter 20 years ago. I would have loved to have knitted him socks.

Crap, I miss him.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's a great dad!

Anonymous said...

I totally empathize. I lost my own dad 20 years ago today. He taught me to love gardens and photography and reading (he loved Ludlum too). You have many great memories - treasure them.

Needles said...

His spirit lives on in you.

Saren Johnson said...

Your dad sounds like a great guy.

deirdre said...

What wonderful memories you have of him - I feel for you...

Acorn to Oak said...

How lucky to have had such a wonderful dad! I can see why you miss him so much!

cari said...

Ach! These kinds of anniversaries are so hard. He sounds wonderful. Take care of yourself today.

Brendaknits said...

I've lost my Mom so I understand your feelings. The thing I hate about death is it lasts so long.

Crazy Knitting Fool said...

So sorry about your dad. I lost my mom 7 years ago and there isn't a day I don't think about her.

AlisonH said...

I'm so sorry you lost him. And that was way too young for him to go.

Philosophical Karen said...

I am so sorry...

katrynka said...

Sending you hugs. Sometimes life is just so unfair.