Walking on Memory Lane
Posted by Dory @ Lucky Dorito on Monday, September 29th, 2008
As my sisters and I gathered around my Mom’s kitchen table this past week, we shared many stories. I think it’s perfectly normal and healthy to remember the good times (and some of the bad, I suppose). We laughed and cried and cried and laughed. (That favorite quote of mine from Steel Magnolias “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”… comes to mind and honestly, that was us.) For years my hubby has said, “Oh man…. gotta watch you 4 girls when you all get together. The giggling will go on for hours!” And he is so right – we can laugh at the silliest things. Shannon commented on how similar all of our voices and our laughter is to each other – she would have to look to see which of us was speaking at times.
One of the things we discussed was this one mental image each of us holds in our head about Daddy. He would sit in the room with us as we all cut up and acted silly, working hard to perfect this gruff image on his face (as if he wasn’t enjoying the banter between us) and then as he’d get up to leave the room – from the backside, you’d always see his head shaking. When he was about to be overcome with laughter – he’d walk away, shaking his head.
There were several times during the visitation and funeral that my sisters and I got the giggles (highly inappropriate, I know…. but… it happens!) and we’d say to each other, “I can just picture Daddy walking away, shaking his head right about now!” and we’d all smile at the memory. I’m sure for years and years to come, that mental image of him will be prominent in my head at family gatherings. It’s a good thing.
Filed in Life,Me,Memory Lane Mondays | 11 dorito bits so far
Shannonon 29 Sep 2008 at 6:56 am 1I love that you have such a fun mental image of your Daddy. What a blessing that we have our memories to hold on to. I love you my friend and pray for you constantly!
Beccaon 29 Sep 2008 at 9:02 am 2What a great picture to have of you and your siblings and a wonderful image of your dad. But didn’t we all think that our dads were gruff and tough at some points in our lives? I love that picture.
Hugs and hope that you are having a great day,
Bec
Katon 29 Sep 2008 at 9:42 am 3I’ve been thinking about you alot lately, just wanted you to know that. The memories you have will forever be precious to you and I enjoyed this one you shared. Even in our grief it is okay to have a laugh or two, it makes us human. Hang on to those good memories, they will provide you comfort.
annon 29 Sep 2008 at 12:37 pm 4I am so sorry to hear about your dad. We need our parents, no matter how old we get ourselves, don’t we? I hope time will bring more and more of the good memories for you…. my prayers are for your healing….
Jenon 29 Sep 2008 at 3:01 pm 5I love that picture too – everybody is smooshed up against your dad.
Glad you are having smiles and giggles despite the sadness in your hearts. I am sure that makes your dad smile. Or shake his head. Or whatever.
Thotladyon 29 Sep 2008 at 3:18 pm 6My father has been gone 5 1/2 years now. I still think of him whenever I use one of his signature phrases.
It always makes me smile…with just a hint of sadness.
Jeanon 29 Sep 2008 at 3:32 pm 7I sincerely hope every one is getting overcome by the giggles at my funeral!! I know he wouldn’t want you all overcome by grief… he’d be listening to you giggle and walking away, shaking his head so he could laugh, too.. That’s a great common memory to share..
Hugs and prayers,
Jean
qualcosa di belloon 29 Sep 2008 at 5:17 pm 8giggles at a funeral…a lovely legacy for a life well lived!! lean into your grief & let no one tell you how to do it…you & yours remain in my prayers
WHWon 29 Sep 2008 at 8:43 pm 9I think this is the best way to show respect to your dad.
Laughing through your memories is perfect. As a dad, I can say I hope my kids do the same thing.
Thanks for sharing.
BEKon 29 Sep 2008 at 9:57 pm 10I am glad to “hear” the laughter through your memories.
White Hot Magikon 29 Sep 2008 at 10:17 pm 11Dory my mom comes from a family of four girls too. Sounds like them, us when we get together, good times or bad. I am sorry for the loss of your daddy. {Hugs}