In the past year and a half we have lost two father figures in our family…..my husband, Joel, and his father, Joseph. And sadly….we lost them within three months of one another. Needless to say, it was a one-two punch that was difficult to bounce back from.
Losing two very strong and dynamic personalities in a family of many dominant personalities can't help but take a personal toll….and we have felt it. They are remembered…and missed by us all. They were missed at the birth of a grandson…and great grandson. They were missed at the wedding of a daughter….and granddaughter. They were missed at a family reunion, birthdays and holidays. But….they are never far from any of us in spirit, and thought of with love, humor, and many tears.
I want to wish all of you fantastic fathers out there, young and old alike, a truly wonderful and Happy Father’s Day. Enjoy your families, absorb the love, and make those beautiful memories that will live on forever as part of your legacy. To your family….you are a father forever.
Hi Joy! I was missing dad too on this Father's Day...it's the 6th...not easy with time passing and pain never goes away.
Thank you -- I did wonder how to blog this.
Posted by: twilite | June 16, 2007 at 09:22 PM
Thanks Joy. Twilite has it right when s/he says that the pain never goes. It does, however, get less - or hits less often - as the years go by. My beloved Daddy was killed in a car crash in 1964 and I still miss him. I also miss the adult relationship that he didn't live to create.
Posted by: Hazel Edmunds | June 17, 2007 at 07:09 AM
Yes, Joy, this is truly a day of remembering for those of us who no longer have fathers around. I rejoice with you in the lives of good fathers, good men!
Posted by: MaryB | June 17, 2007 at 09:55 AM
Aunt Joy,
Sometimes we don't know how much of an impact people have on us until they are gone. I miss not being able to call up my Dad or Grandpa to say "Happy Father's Day!". I have been blessed with a wonderful father-in-law and a wonderful father for my two boys. We are all off to enjoy an afternoon at the lake-- I hope fathers everywhere get to do something they enjoy today.
I love you Aunt Joy!
Posted by: Jeannie | June 17, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Oh yes Joy, I do know - losing both leaves a huge hole in the family that will never be filled. May your memories bring you comfort and joy to day dear friend, Hugs, Suzann
Posted by: Suzann Eisenberg Murray | June 17, 2007 at 01:56 PM
My blog friends get confused in my mind and I had forgotten that you had lost your husband. After this post I read back to refresh myself on your story. You are awesome! With the difficulties you must have experienced, you write with such humor and sass. Is it all because of your name? Or do you have a secret to finding joy in spite of hardship? And, btw, who was Clarabelle?
Posted by: travelinoma | June 17, 2007 at 02:54 PM
How painful that time must have been - and still is I have no doubt.
You're so brave, Joy, and you write so cheerfully and positively. You are a ray of brightness.
Posted by: Liz | June 18, 2007 at 06:48 AM
Hi Joy ~~ Lovely post for Father's Day. While it is such a happy day for fathers and grandfathers, but for those of us who no longer have our fathers it is a sad day. I liked your vegetable animals. Take care, my friend, Love, Merle.
Posted by: Merle | June 19, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Joy, I'm so sorry about your husband and father -- that must have just about killed you. Blessings on you as you live with the seasons turning and the painful holidays coming and going....
Posted by: Ann | June 19, 2007 at 01:59 PM
I know how much you loved them both, Joy -- & how much you miss them. However, you have great memories of them & they are still in your heart. There's a lot to be said for that. Hugs!
Posted by: Kay Dennison | June 21, 2007 at 12:06 AM
Yes, a happy Fathers Day to those who are with us and let's remember those who have left us with love
Posted by: Claude | June 23, 2007 at 05:07 AM
What a lovely tribute to Joel and your father-in-law.
Posted by: Marilyn | July 03, 2007 at 08:06 PM