I was reading someone else's blog the other day where he wrote that he wasn't sure how he felt about his father, who had passed away a long time ago. I didn't respond, but it sure made me stop and remember how dysfunctional my family was/is. I'd always hated my Dad but now he's old and fragile and I think he probably did what he thought was right at the time. So I decided to forgive him - not to his face because he'd never believe he'd done anything wrong - but in my heart. It has helped a lot. God is gracious. He's forgiven me for a lot, too.
My older sister and I have not always been close, and since my Mom died four years ago, I have seen things in her that have not been attractive. However, she is my sister, my blood, and so I forgive her for her weaknesses and love her just for being my sister. In turn, I hope and pray that she loves me in the same way. She has been through hell lately (breast cancer) and is doing fine now. But there is always that cloud looming overhead, and so I took the opportunity of getting a photo of us together. It was a happy day celebrating a belated Father's Day and my "retirement" from teaching at her home. She's an awesome cook and hostess and is very generous to all her family.
Yes, it was a wonderful day. I just ignored my Dad's driving directions and comments about other drivers on the way to North Vancouver and concentrated instead on how beautiful the mountains are today; had a lovely chat with my Mom's best friend since Grade 1, now age 87; watched my Dad open his Father's Day gifts (and ignored his comments about how we shouldn't "bother" on the way home); felt the warmth of the sun and the cool of the shady patio; and ate a wondrous luncheon. I spent the afternoon in the company of those who love me the most even though we don't always get along. Yes, it was a wonderful day.
9 comments:
Hi, Leslie. I LOVE Ladner. I would love to come out there.
Very nice photo of your and your sister. Family is so important, isn't it?
Talk to you very, very soon...!
Josie
Oh, and yes, I am going to be in town for the fireworks. You should come in to Kits and watch them with me one night. It's quite the event. I'm close enough to walk, thank goodness.
(I'm always afraid I'm going to screw up that word verification thing and look like an idiot... hah)
Hah! I screw it up plenty, but it keeps the screwballs away. Well, most of them! LOL
I'll check on when the next market will be - I think on Saturday - and let you know.
BTW, what's your thoughts? Should I let my hair grow longer? I had it short for a while, but I didn't feel like "me." I'm in an in-between stage now and not sure if I should persevere. Be honest.
I was just thinking how nice your photograph is, and how nice you look in that lavender/fuscia colour. And your hair looks very nice like that.
Oh, now I have to go through this dqrmbt thing again... hah.
Hi Leslie and Josie..
I agree with Josie...this is a very nice pic of your with your sister.
I understand exactly where you're coming from regarding family and the things they say sometimes. The best thing to do is ignore the rude or unwanted comments and think about something pleasant or just enjoy the view...stop and smell the roses as they say.
I also screw up the word verification thingy but luckily it gives you another chance and I usually get that one right :)
I like your hair longer Leslie...you look great!
Thx Willy - I had just curled it yesterday and thought I'd give it a try. Today, I just brushed it out and it looks even better. Appears longer. I do like my hair long - I can remember one summer off from university when I'd gone home to work, my Dad hated it. Remember the late 60s when everyone had loooooong straight hair? Well, I was right in style. My Dad would give me dirty looks all the time and ask "When are you going to do something with your hair?" I'd just ignore him until one day when I was leaving for work he said, "Don't come home until you do something with your hair." So, at lunch, I went to the hairdresser and had her put it all up. Ha Ha! My Dad never said a word after that. I kept it up until I left to go back to school.
Hi Leslie, and thanks for stopping by. I did not realize you are retired, so please accept my "late congratulations!!". After having the last four days off, I could really get use to this. LOl. But, not my turn yet. So, work full time and school full time...I hope to retire by the time I am 99. Just does not seem cool to be 100 and working.
Nice picture of you and your sister. Irregardless we are still family with our siblings and parents. I know how you feel with your Dads words, I think also, they did the best they could do, or knew how to do at the time. Times have changed so much, and all in all I truly feel it makes us better parents. I accept when my kids get upset with me...(as I did with mine) and let them have their space. For I know, they too will be over 50 one day and say...OOOPPPSSS. and that's ok.
Enjoy your retirement! A well deserved break from a working routine. Congratulations on the weight loss also....you will have so much more time now to walk and dice up those veggies!!
Until Later
Peg from the good ol' U.S.A.
(feeling patriotic, even tho I am skipping the fireworks...)
You, Leslie, have a very fine and forgiving attitude towards family and life in general. Thank you for your wisdom. I find it comforting and realistic.
Love your new profile picture, by the way.
And, as a boy who grew up on the Mainland, I've always liked the Ladner area. My late father in law grew up there many moons ago.
Ian
Neva I agree that it will help with the cost of cuts, but I still need to do the "only my hairdresser knows for sure" thingy. LOL But, I'm going to let it grow anyway and let her do a trim whenever my highlights need doing.
Ian Thx for dropping by and for the compliment about my latest photo. I am proud and ashamed at the same time to admit that I've lost almost 40 lbs since Xmas. I realized that all that weight had come on since working at that school (started there 7 years ago). Stress can really do a number on you!
It has taken many years for me to get to where I am today "attitude-wise" re my parents. If what my Dad did to us back then was now, he'd be in prison! But, that was then and I have to move forward with my life, not dwell in the past.
I'm going to check and see if the Ladner Village Market is this coming Saturday and will let you know, Josie. It is always fun to go at least once each summer. There are usually different vendors there on different Sundays.
Post a Comment