Missing my Dad on his birthday in the Month of Love

 

My Dad (from his own self portrait photograph)
Charcoal on Canson Mixed Media paper
13 x 14 inches
Barbara Muir © 2017

This is my father's birthday -- and I miss him so much.  He died when
our oldest son was a toddler.  This portrait is my Dad in what he would
consider almost casual clothes. He was a very dressed up person.  He'd

probably be shocked at my clothes, mostly worn for painting -- covered

with paint, ripped at the elbow, worn out.

I love everything my father taught me.  I most definitely walk in his

footsteps.  He was a very strict father for small children -- but as

we grew up, he enjoyed us more and more.  I'm going to explain
how I feel about him by quoting what I wrote some years ago.

"It's appropriate on this last day of the Month
of Love to think about the meaning of love on
a deep level.  And here's what I know.  Not only
is my father visible in my face, and in my way
of talking, my love of humour, and the fact that
I have been both a journalist, and an artist, like him. 
But the main connection I have with my Dad is in my
heart.

The powerful message he would like me to convey
if he were alive on this the final day of the Month
of Love, is that love lasts.  It never goes away.  And
my Dad's love for me, and mine for him is a
wonderful thing, and always will be for me.
Isn't that comforting to know?  I think so."

Have a loving the people in your world day.