For My Dad
Sunday, 27. January 2008, 05:29:19
My Dad's first attempt, since being diagnosed in the early stages of AD, using colored art pencils and, at the age of 81.
He always drew, as long as I can remember. Using charcoal and pencil, only.
Dad collaberated with Andrew Wyeth, a family friend, on several 'nudes'. I hold dear the wonderful memories of spending Saturday's at his Farm House when afterwards, we would always dine at the "Inn" and I would listen to the two of them sharing their thoughts on life, on love, on all things beautiful. I believe that they too, were 'Soul Mates'.
He no longer draws, although I recently bought him a set of pencils and a sketch pad in the hope that he would at least make an attempt.
Dad is in the latter stages of AD now, and for being in this stage he does remarkably well. Much better than his doctors thought he would be doing.
And although the wonderful man who raised me and my sister, along with my precious Mother, is no longer able to remember a thought longer than the one he is in, I have grown to see him in a different light, and one that truly shines.
I laugh with him now, when not too long ago, I would cry in my room.
He remains a remarkable man and is still my Daddy. He looks at me at times, lovingly, and I get the feeling he is looking at Daddy's Little Girl.
We work in the garden together, something we didn't do before Dad was diagnosed. We sit and play in the soil at times. We laugh out loud.
I am beginning a relationship with my Dad in a sense, and I don't feel the sadness, the deep sadness I did for a long time, when he was progressing so quickly that I hardly had the time to adapt, there were so many changes in such a short amount of time.
I believe that was the most difficult time for me.
And now acceptance has slowly crept in and brought about a sense of peace.
I'll always miss my Dad and who he was for as long as I can remember.
I still have him to share my life with and I am very grateful that we can be together during these times and will be until the end of his life here on earth.
He's sleeping now. I just tucked him in. He asked me if he could maybe color tomorrow on the 'paper' that I laid on his desk.
I look forward to sharpening those pencils and watching Dad color.
Although there will be no more portraits and his collection of "Van Gogh's" is but a distant memory, I will watch as he colors a picture and won't forget to fall to my knees in gratitude for all I have been blessed with.
Thank you Daddy for always being there for me and most of all...
For your Love.
I will remain always,
Daddy's Little Girl!
WIDGETIZE