Excited at the pending birth of my first child in February of Nineteen eighty six the year felt promising. We had a gorgeous new home with a spiral staircase on an acre property, Vancouver's expo eighty six, a six month celebration to look forward to, and I was turning thirty, which I wasn't too thrilled about!
Then Christmas of eighty five dad was diagnosed with cancer. Between
Christmas and New Years he was opened up but nothing could be done so they sewed him back up! He was home for a bit, lost tons of weight and got progressively worse.
Just before Cupcake was born in February the family was told he had about six weeks to live. Which they withheld from meuntil my intuition tweaked. I forced them to divulge what they knew. Dad died six weeks, to the day, after Cupcake was born. On Saint Patrick's day!
Anyone who knew my dad knew he LOVED to party, dance, sing, play the harmonica, drink and be merry. He was an amazing ballroom dancer and taught me to dance at a young age! Women spoke of his talent years after he passed!! He was kind to everyone and really enjoyed a party atmosphere!
Hisbad boy side often enticed him to pop into the pub for a few pints of beer and game of shuffle board under the guise of slipping out to buy cheese!! Sometimes causing turmoil in the marriage!
Joey
So when dad, a party animal, born in Scotland, with an Irish mother, died on St Patrick's Day I figured he went out in style on the perfect day. He couldn't have planned it better himself! He'd never be forgotten!
That year in May we attended Expo eight six withthree month old Cupcake in tow. It was quite the celebration. Music galore, many wonderful sites it was such a memorable time.
There were open bar restaurants such as Irish Rovers Unicorn pub. We often landed in there for lunch or dinner. Celtic music free flowing, everyone was happy!
Even my alert three month old baby bobbed on my knee in timeto the music.People trickled by to remark what a wonderful happy soul she was! Fed andchanged she sleptcontentedly through many sets of the Irish Rovers music while we enjoyed the experience!
Older women
scowled, men smiled welcoming affirmations, and some addressed us saying
this is how all families should be. Many young people hovered with
positive comments.
Most rewarding was a comment from a child care worker who'd been watching us all evening. She stopped by to say she has never seen a more well adjusted happy baby so well loved!I beamed with pride.
She continued to praise me by saying she sees hundreds
of children but Cupcake was the happiest baby she'd
ever seen. Her loving statement was exactly what a new mother needed and
trumped all the negative gestures from those giving me the stink eye! In that instant I knew my indulgence was okay!!
Forward thirty years, today, on the thirtieth anniversary of my fathers death, St Patricks day, my Cupcake is attending the Irish Rovers 50th anniversary concert tourin Vancouver. Even though she may not remember her last Irish Rovers concert I have no doubt she will enjoy it just as much!!!
Maybe that first concert at three months old solidified her love of music and live concerts. To this day it's first on her list of things to save for! She has seen such an eclectic array of musicians, old and young, every genre, rock, folk, punk, country, Celtic, you name it... Willy, The Stones, McCartney, Young, Cohen, Springsteen, Snoop, Eels, Dylan, Grohl, and hundreds more! I'm sure she'd have gladly carted her grandpa along to a few had he been alive!!
Happy St Patricks Day one and all!
Thinking of you today dad and how proud you'd be knowing Cupcake
I love this story of your dad and Cupcake. Your dad was quite handsome. That is pretty amazing that Cupcake is off to see the Rovers, wonder if they would remember that little baby and the proud mother out in the audience so many years ago. Wishing you the very best weekend.
What a story!!!! The beginning, middle and end! Full Circle. I'm sorry you lost your dad when you did (never a good time) Sorry Cupcake did not get to have her grandpa in her life; but sweet that the love of music was passed down to her. His dying on St. Paddy's day is mouth dropping amazing if you ask me. He knew he'd always be remembered that way! (my take on it anyway) Hugs to you dear friend. The art rocks as always! The colors make me want to sing. (My husband plays and sings Irish music too! His dad was Irish!)
This is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your father. May he rest in peace. There is a Spanish proverb that says, "Recordar es vivir" (Remembering is to live). Keeping special memories about loved ones that are deceased helps us pass their legacy to our children and makes them real. Peace, my friend.
Love your story today, and your art as well. Don't we all have bittersweet memories? --- at least I think so. For me the happy overtakes the sad by far. A couple of friends of mine are the other way around, and I never quite get it why the sad overtakes everything in their lives. I am greatful though to have an easy mind.
Thank you for sharing such a lovely but sad story about your family. Your dad looked like a really nice man - such kind eyes. And a fitting way to be remembered always on St. Paddy's day with a fond memory. How lovely that Cupcake is going to see the Irish Rovers now as an adult after they being her first musical experience as a tiny baby!
what a fabulous tribute to your father... and I love hearing about your life... you share so much with us... for me most bittersweet memories involve my grandparents... they were my rocks and foundation and helped me survive the madness of a very unstable family... I miss them every day, but now more often the happy memories are trumping the missing them...
Thank you for the interesting, beautiful - and sad sstory. But there has been so much joy, too, in your wonderful father's life. And you got so much joy and love from Cupcake. Have a happy PPF xx
such a loving tribute to your dad. He was a handsome man and I can see the sparkle in his eyes. It's very soothing to have such happy memories to look back on. Super art and i love those shamrock stockings and green sneaks!
This was a beautiful tribute to your Dad. He sounds quite a bit like my Dad but I don't remember him dancing. To this day whenever I see childhood friends the first thing they remark upon is how much they liked my Dad.
I love your spring banner. Just looking at it made me very happy this morning.
Well, I will start over. Somehow everything I had typed has disappeared! I said: Who couldn't love the Irish Rovers? That is real toe-tapping music that even a baby can pick up on. My second or maybe several times removed cousin wrote Clancy lowered the Boom, which is way before your time, but is the same type of music. My ancestors came from Scotland via Ireland. Love your comments about your father. What a great guy he must have been!
I'm soaking in your memory and experience! It is one that encourages and uplifts. Your dad looks very kind...his eyes tell the story. Thank you for sharing!
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad. Love the photos of him. He looked like he was a happy man. I really enjoyed your post today. Awesome art as well. As always!
Your dad sounded quite a character and I loved reading how your memories endure and live on through your daughter. I have similar memories and cherish them deeply... my oldest daughter went to university in Ireland and I spent several Patrick's day there. Such a warm and welcoming place...full of love and fun..it is apt that you now associate your father with such a great day.
I've really loved reading this post, the art is always fabulous but the words especially touched me today. Thankfully all the good memories I have of my grandparents bring a smile to me when I think of them, so many wonderful times together to cherish that when I think back I can remember so well and feel them close again, that's so special and great!
A beautiful heartfelt tribute post and one that I'm sure your Dad would have loved reading. I lost my father when I was sixteen. He suffered with cancer two years before finally slipping away. It was a relief to us all that the pain and suffering was over. He was only 47 years old. He never walked me down the aisle on my wedding day, never saw either of my children born or got to know them, but I have wonderful memories of the very short time I knew him. I would adore just a day to see him once more... to chat and maybe even have him whisk me around the floor, perhaps showing me how to waltz properly. I used to stand on his feet whilst he danced. I better stop... this is only supposed to be a comment. I love to hear about your daughter and her love for music and life. You've done a brilliant job Mum. I mean just look at those tights and pumps! Your artwork is a brilliant blast of colour as usual and I adore those old photos of your Dad. Thank you for sharing xoxo
I loved the story of your Dad and Cupcake, but I know you are missing your Daddy very much. I still miss mine--he flew away to heaven almost four years ago now. (sigh) Have a happy day--May your memories be lovely and full of sweetness.
What a beautiful store, colorful paintings, and memories only a lucky few can look back on. I love Cupcake's stockings and shoes. I think she has a little of her granddad in her for sure! Big hugs and thank you for sharing such intimate and beautiful family memories for us! Rasz
It is so touching how much you speak about your family with love. Love Cupcake's shamrock stockings and green shoes, and the way you have framed the photo diagonally in green, so creative. Jonnny Bean is super in the rain with his red socks and pink sky, what a character, and that is a great stylised face and arm (no title) but with the wonderful flowing hair and eye. Have a great week!
Sounds like your Dad was quite a character! What a wonderful story, both sad and happy. And I love those tights!! I hope Cupcake had a great time at the concert!
I enjoyed reading your story about your father and Cupcake. He was a big personality. I am sure you miss him a lot. I had a father with a big personality only we clashed for many years. But I have the best memories of him! I am glad to know about your family. ~~ Irene
37 comments:
I love this story of your dad and Cupcake. Your dad was quite handsome. That is pretty amazing that Cupcake is off to see the Rovers, wonder if they would remember that little baby and the proud mother out in the audience so many years ago. Wishing you the very best weekend.
Happy St Patrick's Day! I guess it is a good time to remember your dad now. Nice art!
What a story!!!! The beginning, middle and end! Full Circle.
I'm sorry you lost your dad when you did (never a good time)
Sorry Cupcake did not get to have her grandpa in her life; but sweet that the love of music was passed down to her. His dying on St. Paddy's day is mouth dropping amazing if you ask me.
He knew he'd always be remembered that way! (my take on it anyway)
Hugs to you dear friend. The art rocks as always! The colors make me want to sing.
(My husband plays and sings Irish music too! His dad was Irish!)
This is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your father. May he rest in peace. There is a Spanish proverb that says, "Recordar es vivir" (Remembering is to live). Keeping special memories about loved ones that are deceased helps us pass their legacy to our children and makes them real. Peace, my friend.
We share the celebration of St. Pat, my dad was born on that day and know that your dad and he would have celebrated in grand style!
Fab art!!!
Great tribute to your wonderful Dad. Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie
Great tribute and art. Happy PPF
Love your story today, and your art as well. Don't we all have bittersweet memories? --- at least I think so. For me the happy overtakes the sad by far. A couple of friends of mine are the other way around, and I never quite get it why the sad overtakes everything in their lives. I am greatful though to have an easy mind.
Thank you for sharing such a lovely but sad story about your family. Your dad looked like a really nice man - such kind eyes. And a fitting way to be remembered always on St. Paddy's day with a fond memory. How lovely that Cupcake is going to see the Irish Rovers now as an adult after they being her first musical experience as a tiny baby!
what a fabulous tribute to your father... and I love hearing about your life... you share so much with us... for me most bittersweet memories involve my grandparents... they were my rocks and foundation and helped me survive the madness of a very unstable family... I miss them every day, but now more often the happy memories are trumping the missing them...
Thank you for the interesting, beautiful - and sad sstory. But there has been so much joy, too, in your wonderful father's life. And you got so much joy and love from Cupcake.
Have a happy PPF xx
Beautiful post and so overwhelming !!
Loads of love to you :)
http://beneathmyheartart.blogspot.in/2016/03/reflection-to-bestseller.html
A tender tribute to your dad, great text and so expressive art!
Wonderful story about your dad. I bet he is still celebrating St. Patrick's Day. And once again I love your art! How fun! Happy weekend!
such a loving tribute to your dad. He was a handsome man and I can see the sparkle in his eyes. It's very soothing to have such happy memories to look back on. Super art and i love those shamrock stockings and green sneaks!
This was a beautiful tribute to your Dad. He sounds quite a bit like my Dad but I don't remember him dancing. To this day whenever I see childhood friends the first thing they remark upon is how much they liked my Dad.
I love your spring banner. Just looking at it made me very happy this morning.
Well, I will start over. Somehow everything I had typed has disappeared! I said: Who couldn't love the Irish Rovers? That is real toe-tapping music that even a baby can pick up on. My second or maybe several times removed cousin wrote Clancy lowered the Boom, which is way before your time, but is the same type of music. My ancestors came from Scotland via Ireland. Love your comments about your father. What a great guy he must have been!
I'm soaking in your memory and experience! It is one that encourages and uplifts. Your dad looks very kind...his eyes tell the story.
Thank you for sharing!
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad. Love the photos of him. He looked like he was a happy man. I really enjoyed your post today. Awesome art as well. As always!
Lovely tribute, Happy PPF
much love...
Great post and fun art - as always!
Your dad sounded quite a character and I loved reading how your memories endure and live on through your daughter. I have similar memories and cherish them deeply... my oldest daughter went to university in Ireland and I spent several Patrick's day there. Such a warm and welcoming place...full of love and fun..it is apt that you now associate your father with such a great day.
So touching. Nice to see the photos. You got me! Have a lovely weekend. Thanks for sharing. xo
What a lovely tribute to your father! Lovely photos of him. Lovely art work. Happy Paint Party Friday!
I've really loved reading this post, the art is always fabulous but the words especially touched me today.
Thankfully all the good memories I have of my grandparents bring a smile to me when I think of them, so many wonderful times together to cherish that when I think back I can remember so well and feel them close again, that's so special and great!
A beautiful heartfelt tribute post and one that I'm sure your Dad would have loved reading. I lost my father when I was sixteen. He suffered with cancer two years before finally slipping away. It was a relief to us all that the pain and suffering was over. He was only 47 years old. He never walked me down the aisle on my wedding day, never saw either of my children born or got to know them, but I have wonderful memories of the very short time I knew him. I would adore just a day to see him once more... to chat and maybe even have him whisk me around the floor, perhaps showing me how to waltz properly. I used to stand on his feet whilst he danced.
I better stop... this is only supposed to be a comment. I love to hear about your daughter and her love for music and life. You've done a brilliant job Mum. I mean just look at those tights and pumps!
Your artwork is a brilliant blast of colour as usual and I adore those old photos of your Dad.
Thank you for sharing xoxo
I loved the story of your Dad and Cupcake, but I know you are missing your Daddy very much. I still miss mine--he flew away to heaven almost four years ago now. (sigh) Have a happy day--May your memories be lovely and full of sweetness.
Wonderful art, and a great tribute to your dad!
Ooh fantastic use of of colour as always and a wonderful tribute hugs Debsxx
What a beautiful store, colorful paintings, and memories only a lucky few can look back on. I love Cupcake's stockings and shoes. I think she has a little of her granddad in her for sure! Big hugs and thank you for sharing such intimate and beautiful family memories for us! Rasz
Your dad looks like he was a pretty special and fun guy:-) Part of him lives on thru you and Cupcake - remarkable people that you both are!
It is so touching how much you speak about your family with love.
Love Cupcake's shamrock stockings and green shoes, and the way you have framed the photo diagonally in green, so creative.
Jonnny Bean is super in the rain with his red socks and pink sky, what a character, and that is a great stylised face and arm (no title) but with the wonderful flowing hair and eye.
Have a great week!
A beautiful tribute with warm colorful art to accompany it as well! Lovely post!
Wonderful story and delightful art. Thank you for sharing.
EAGHL
What a lovely tribute to your dad! Your pup with the umbrella is so cute! Those stalkings are so cute too!
Sounds like your Dad was quite a character! What a wonderful story, both sad and happy. And I love those tights!! I hope Cupcake had a great time at the concert!
I enjoyed reading your story about your father and Cupcake. He was a big personality. I am sure you miss him a lot. I had a father with a big personality only we clashed for many years. But I have the best memories of him! I am glad to know about your family.
~~ Irene
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