Thanks to my father

Today was my father's birthday. He's been dead for more than
20 years but flickers of memory came in and out of my
consciousness all day, and I realized I was grateful to him
for everything, including my life. If my father were alive
we'd toast him with a glass of sherry before dinner. My
mother would make a fine dinner and all of us would sit
around the big dining room table in my mother's house
letting my father regale us with story after story.

A strict parent to little children, my father grew into the
role, and was much kinder, friendlier and a better father
with older children. I miss him plain and simple.

So what did he give me other than life? I think he had
a fine ironic sense of humour, and all of his children
love to laugh -- almost above all else. He was artistic, and
I think he loved a party -- so I get those abilities from
him. He was a social being although he spent a great
deal of time alone. He liked the casual gathering of
neighbours around his pool, or friends dropping by
for a drink at the end of a hot summer's day -- everyone
pulling up the big lawn chairs and sharing the
spectacular view.

Some of the potted tulips blooming in the
kitchen today. They're at the height
of their glory -- huge and magnificent.

He also loved flowers and taught me to put cut roses in
"the hottest water your hand can stand." He had a lovely
voice, a great laugh, and a warm cashmere covered shoulder
to cry on when times were tough. I miss him.

Christopher at work
black marker on bond paper
8 1/2 x 11 inches

Today I drew a line drawing of my son Christopher at
work. I think he's right that his lips, though generous,
are too big in this sketch. I still like it, because we were
talking on Skype, and he put the sunglasses on to be funny.

Have a loving-your-family day.