Tuesday, September 2, 2008

sad times

Man, I miss my dad so much. He passed away Aug 25th, and the funeral was Friday. I don't care that he was 84, you're just never ready to let go of someone you love.

When I was 10 years old I learned to play "Lara's Theme" on the piano (Somewhere my Love) and dad said " I love that song Teena, I want you to play it at my funeral". So I've had 40 years to be prepared, and of course I wasn't....you just never are.

I spent the week with mom, and I'm really glad I had the chance to re-connect with my brothers during that time. I actually got a hug AND a kiss on the cheek from 2 of my brothers (read my earlier wedding blog and you'll understand)

I have so many memories of dad, I shared a few of them when I spoke at his funeral. I remember dancing on his feet when I was a little girl and him picking me up and squeezing me tight and singing "I'll never let you go, why? because I love you!" I sang that same song to my kids.

Dad had a really tough job. He worked for 35 years as a steel worker to support his family. I can remember seeing the burns on his arms and neck. Everyday there were new ones....and he acted like it was no big deal.

I will always appreciate what a good grandpa dad was. He loved my kids so much.

I didn't sing it...but I read these lyrics by Dan Fogelberg at Dad's funeral that sort of express the way I feel .

I thank you for the music and the stories of the road,
I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go.
I thank you for the kindness, and the times when you got tough.
And Papa, I don't think I said I love you near enough.

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old,
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul.
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man,
I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band.

I Love you Papa! I'm going to miss you....

7 comments:

Unknown said...

You did such a great job at the funeral!! I loved the words you said and the piano was beautiful!! I haven't had aliving grandpa since I was 10 so I sort of adopted your parents as my grandparents. They fabulous people who I am glad I have known!

Loran said...

Oh, Teena, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. It sounds like the funeral was a time for healing with you and your brothers which is a good thing, but under the most sad circumstances, which isn't such a good thing. Life sure has its rough spots. Cherish those wonderful memories and eventually the pain will diminish and the joy will remain. My heart goes out to you.

The Rook Family said...

Awww Teena! You made me cry. I know what a loving person you are and my heart is just breaking for you. When I heard the message on your voice mail last week I just wished I were there to give you a big ol' hug. I'm sure he's proud of his lil' Sweet Pea and what a great person she is. I'm so sorry, Teena.

karen said...

I am so sorry about your Dad... My dad passed away in November, so I know you will be going through some hard times. I wish we were closer so I could give you a hug and help in any way.... Love Karen

jillybeanz said...

Loosing my parents is my worst fear. I'm so sorry for your heartache. I love the picture and that Dan Fogelberg song is such a great song.This is a really nice post Teena.Thank you for sharing.

Penny Sue said...

Teena,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My heart goes out to you and all of your family.
It sounds like you did an amazing job at the funeral--you have a lot more strength than I do.
I love the picture of you and your dad on your blog--your dad looks exactly like he did the last time I saw him--truly amazing.
He and your mother did such a wonderful job of raising their daughter. I love you lots and if there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.
Love, Penny

Bingham fam said...

That was really sweet. You did a great at the funeral. I decided that I am going to sing somewhere my love to by babies as a luluby. I love that song and it will always make me think of Grandpa.