My Father

I created this mini as a grieving tool for myself. Living so far from family and really needing to grieve the loss of my father, I gathered pictures from his infancy all the way up until just days before he passed. I am so glad I walked through his life and mine this way.

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Dad is seated to the left of his little sis Marion. There is the dog he use to tell me stories about, being restrained by big brother George. Bill is sitting to the right of Marion. Behind Bill is Elsie and beside her is Helen with the fair hair.

Above is a picture of dad while at university in 1950. His parents are pictured in the photos - facing page.

At left top from L to R are Patricia (Patty), Thomas (Tom) and Catherine (Cathy, that's me).
At bottom from L to R are baby Marion Elizabeth (Liz), Catherine (Cathy), Patricia (Patty), Thomas (Tom).

Above are two pictures. The top picture was taken on Christmas morning. I remember trying to convince Marilyn, that my "top" was worth accepting, with my antics, pumping it until it whirled at top speed. I'd offered it to her. Tom wore the cowboy hat which dad had brought back from Calgary, with pride. Patty shared his joy - see  their eye contact? Liz was happily playing with a balloon. Ahh christmas. Is it any wonder I try so hard to get back to this? The focus on family. The bottom pic is taken circa 1964. Bottom visible are Tom and Liz. Marilyn in centre, I am to the right. Patty is hidden behind overlay.

                                             Above - a picture of dad. What a winning smile.

                                                               
                                                                  Dad's obituary

Above is a picture I took L to R dad, Ann, John.

                                                    

The picture was taken just weeks before dad passed. He is telling me "Cathy, it's always something, always something. I was speechless and gently rubbing his back thinking "this was never more true for any other man my darling father". I wanted to "cradle" him. His strength was beyond believing. I love you daddy.