1956
I was always Daddy’s “little girl.” You showed me love in the only way you knew how, by spoiling me. Before my memory I used to ride on your shoulders and you’d tell me to duck under the doorways. Once I learned to walk I remember walking by your side holding your little finger to ground me to the world. You taught me how to water ski and eat the tops off the asparagus that grew in the garden. You took me for ice cream, burgers and hotdogs, our favorite foods. You called the riding lawn mower my first car and that got me to mow the lawn. Later you bought me cars and together we repaired them when needed. You stayed up to wait for me to come home from a date, even when I was late. You gave me away at my wedding and told my new husband with a smile not to bring me back. Yet I was always welcome home. You and I would have silly secrets that drove Mom crazy. (Crazier than she already is anyway.)
Ray Marvin Olmsted 1940s
I remember as a pre-teen hearing you only occasionally talk about being in North Africa during WWII and how you’d like to go back. As a teen I volunteered to go with you. But it never happened.
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2005 at Padre Island
My Dad passed away Friday February19th, 2010 about a week after a massive stroke. Ever since he had several small strokes in the last couple of years I’ve sort of felt like I lost the Dad I knew and that every visit was a gift. Yes, I am sad for myself and family yet I know he’s better off as there really was no quality of life left. Sure glad I got to see him once more on my recent trip to Texas.
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June 24, 1923 – February 19, 2010
There will be no official memorial; his body was donated to science. Yet I am taking my Dad’s memory to Africa, even if it it’s south and not north. We can both follow our dreams.
I was always Daddy’s “little girl.” You showed me love in the only way you knew how, by spoiling me. Before my memory I used to ride on your shoulders and you’d tell me to duck under the doorways. Once I learned to walk I remember walking by your side holding your little finger to ground me to the world. You taught me how to water ski and eat the tops off the asparagus that grew in the garden. You took me for ice cream, burgers and hotdogs, our favorite foods. You called the riding lawn mower my first car and that got me to mow the lawn. Later you bought me cars and together we repaired them when needed. You stayed up to wait for me to come home from a date, even when I was late. You gave me away at my wedding and told my new husband with a smile not to bring me back. Yet I was always welcome home. You and I would have silly secrets that drove Mom crazy. (Crazier than she already is anyway.)
Ray Marvin Olmsted 1940s
I remember as a pre-teen hearing you only occasionally talk about being in North Africa during WWII and how you’d like to go back. As a teen I volunteered to go with you. But it never happened.
.jpg)
2005 at Padre Island
My Dad passed away Friday February19th, 2010 about a week after a massive stroke. Ever since he had several small strokes in the last couple of years I’ve sort of felt like I lost the Dad I knew and that every visit was a gift. Yes, I am sad for myself and family yet I know he’s better off as there really was no quality of life left. Sure glad I got to see him once more on my recent trip to Texas.
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June 24, 1923 – February 19, 2010
There will be no official memorial; his body was donated to science. Yet I am taking my Dad’s memory to Africa, even if it it’s south and not north. We can both follow our dreams.
Because of you my life goes on. I will love you and treasure your memory forever. This trip’s for You!
Oh Gaelyn, I am so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolensces go out to you. What a handsome man and WONDERFUL father he was. You were so close and these are precious memories. I'm glad you've remembered this man and shown him to us in the heartfelt post. Bless you my friend. (((Hugs))) Jo
I am sitting here with tears in my eyes for you, with your loving memories of your Dad. I am so sorry that he is gone.
What a beautiful tribute my friend. I have conveyed my sentiments in an e-mail so I will not repeat them here.
I am so sorry to hear Gaelyn. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. It is great that you have such wonderful memories about your dad. I hope my daughter would one day have such memories of me.
Like Karen I am also wiping tears away as I always remember my dad as well when somebody else looses theirs.
Gosh, what a tribute. My only hope is one of my five kids will remember me as well.
Gaelyn, please accept my condolences. This tribute you wrote is so beautiful; I am here at work and could only read it once, for otherwise I would be crying. I will reread it at home, and think of you, and of my loss of a year and a half ago.
Gaelyn, I am so sorry for your loss, and so happy for your lifetime of good memories. May you be comforted, along with all who mourn.
Gaelyn,
Sorry to hear about your dad! I'm sure he lived a full life and will be missed greatly.
Darn it. Sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute you gave to him. I believe much of what you are came from him. Record the memories that flood you mind about him, so other family members may know him better.
Ah, Gaelyn dear there are no words. What a wonderful tribute to your father. God bless you and yours.
So sorry for your loss Gaelyn, it's hard to lose your dad. What a beautiful tribute.
Beautiful Gaelyn…so sorry his last days were a struggle for him. Adjusting to HIS "time to move on" is tough. I think your trip to Africa will be something very special. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends.
Gaelyn I type this with tears in my eyes for your loss, I am so very sorry. But at the same time I understand what you are saying after watching my grandpa go through this. You dad is now at peace and watching over you with much love.
I have no doubt he will keep you safe on your forthcoming trip.
Dear Gaelyn…My deepest sympathy to you and yours for the loss of this lovely man. My sadness for you is tainted by raging jealousy that you had so many years, so many memories together that will stay to comfort you as the pain of that loss lessens. How I yearn for just one memory I can take out and cherish.
Forgive me.
Thank you for sharing that with all of your blog friends. I am so glad you got to spend time with him. Sounds as though you had a great relationship with your father. I am thinking of you now.
Gaelyn, so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts are with you and your family. May the wonderful memories you have of your dad comfort you.
Oh, I am so sorry…but what a beautiful post you have written. I am sure his spirit will LOVE the trip back to Africa. Maybe you could take a small memento from your childhood that reminds you of him and leave it there. Then you both will have a special place you share…together!
Dear Gaelyn, I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family peace as you adjust to this new existence. You've written a lovely tribute to your father and your words moved me to tears. I've no doubt that he is already waiting for you in Africa. Best to you.
I am so sorry Gaelyn…I am so happy that you had a 'daddy' in your life to love and support you… it means the world I know. This has me thinking as my father has expressed a desire to reconnect, but he was never a 'daddy', just a dad and very troubled and nasty man. So please.. enjoy your memories as I know how much they would have meant to me. Hugs… Michelle..
I am truly sorry for your loss. I am happy he is free now. Keeping you in my thoughts as you prepare for your adventure – he is off on one too.
Gaelyn: That was a loving tribute to your loving Father. I so glad he is strong in your memories as you head to South Africa.
When all that we have is memories of someone I think that it's important to remember that their memories of us are just as real. Companionship, everlasting love, He is with you, It's just that we can't see him because he's pure, and perfect in every way. I love you, and I hope you feel loved!
This is such a loving tribute, Gaelyn. I'm not sure which is harder, to watch our parents decline or to face their loss. You may find you are now able to share this journy with him better than if he were still alive.
May you find comfort in the memory of the good times.
I'm very sorry for your loss. Even though your dad lived a full life, it's always so hard to give up those we love. Your written tribute to him is very touching. I think he'd be glad to know you're going to make a trip to Africa to see the distant shores he had hoped to see again himself.
Dear Gaelyn, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Your tribute and the fact you carry your Father forward with your life are fitting celebrations of what he meant to you.
Wonderful tribute to your Dad. Rejoice! Look up to the stars and see the one twinkling brightly just for you. He is smiling st you. MB
Dear Gaelyn,
When we have a good dad, the loss comes so hard. But you have such great memories of your dad, and you know you are loved, always!
I am sure he can. Gaelyn I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Father. Even though he is in a better place, I know it is a sad time in your life.
Your upcoming trip will be amazing for both of you.
Gaeylin,
what a wonderful post and tribute to your Dad!
Brought tears to my eyes..
I believe he will be traveling with you to Africa, enjoying seeing you enjoy the sights!
My deepest condolences, Gaelyn.
I found such healing in creating a eulogy for my dad, while giving him palliative care for 9 mos.
It's a tough thing, isn't it?
Gaelyn, how wonderful for you to have had a dad like this! No one can take these many happy memories from you! I am so sorry for your loss but so happy you had such a great Dad to begin with! I know he will be with you on your trip!