I drive my 14-year-old son to a youth event and then instead of driving all the way home I figure I’ll stop by my parents’ house to see my dad. Mom is out of town and I’m sure the place feels empty without her. I guess he could probably use some company.
I watched Wheel of Fortune and all of the game shows with my grandmother. She was particularly good at Wheel Fortune (she did the crossword puzzle every morning and whipped my brother and I at Scrabble). I didn't have the "I love you's" at my house very often but I did at her house. So yes those shows are cringe now but once they were safety and love and cozy recliners, shaggy carpet and the comfortable hugs of a gray-haired granny in her house dress.
I don't know how you do it, Shawn, but you invited me to join you and your Pops, with a glass of tea and the fading twilight and the gentle musings on crass consumerism and the gratitude for a father's love. I sat with you both and enjoyed it all, especially the ice cream treats.
Wonderfully-told reminisces, Shawn. You reminded me of one of my last visits with my dad in his nursing home. We sat holding hands and watched an old Shirley Temple movie. Those loving hands of his had made countless repairs around our house, painted interiors and exteriors, built furniture, played five musical instruments, and much more. By the time we watched Shirley Temple, Dad's hands were impaired by arthritis, but they could still express love.
Spinning on a pole at the Dairy Queen stand, yellow lights buzzing overhead, summer bugs hovering around it, a chocolate M&M blizzard on the way. I was younger than my kids are now. Thanks for bringing back a good memory.
I watched Wheel of Fortune and all of the game shows with my grandmother. She was particularly good at Wheel Fortune (she did the crossword puzzle every morning and whipped my brother and I at Scrabble). I didn't have the "I love you's" at my house very often but I did at her house. So yes those shows are cringe now but once they were safety and love and cozy recliners, shaggy carpet and the comfortable hugs of a gray-haired granny in her house dress.
I don't know how you do it, Shawn, but you invited me to join you and your Pops, with a glass of tea and the fading twilight and the gentle musings on crass consumerism and the gratitude for a father's love. I sat with you both and enjoyed it all, especially the ice cream treats.
Push pops! Oh my. Thank you for that sweet reminder!
Wonderfully-told reminisces, Shawn. You reminded me of one of my last visits with my dad in his nursing home. We sat holding hands and watched an old Shirley Temple movie. Those loving hands of his had made countless repairs around our house, painted interiors and exteriors, built furniture, played five musical instruments, and much more. By the time we watched Shirley Temple, Dad's hands were impaired by arthritis, but they could still express love.
Lovely reflection. Thanks for putting the everyday into beautiful words
Such a lovely evening with your dad.
Spinning on a pole at the Dairy Queen stand, yellow lights buzzing overhead, summer bugs hovering around it, a chocolate M&M blizzard on the way. I was younger than my kids are now. Thanks for bringing back a good memory.
Meadow tea is the elixir of summer. I enjoy reading these nostalgic posts.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I love hearing about these moments in life.So glad you got to share this and create new memories.