Early Sunday morning, my dear father passed away. I am trying my best to be thankful that we had him for so long. After my mom's death, I always considered the time he remained with us to be a gift. But to be truthful, this ain't easy.
My parents were the most generous people I have ever known-- always offering a funny comment, genuine empathy, or just a listening ear. As New England Protestants, they were never big on physical displays of affection after us kids became adults, but we understood how much they loved and supported us. The first time I brought DH home to meet my folks, he shoveled their entire driveway from the overnight blizzard. After, DH went inside and had a long conversation with my dad in the living room. As we were leaving, my mom whispered to me "Dad just said 'Finally, she brought someone home who I can talk to!' " Yes, I married someone just like my dad, an MIT nerd with a big heart. I last saw my father about 12 hours before he passed. I told him that he was the best dad I could ever have asked for, and that's why I chose someone just like him.
I wanted to add some photos of my garden to this post. My parents were so proud of how we transformed our drab, suburban house and gardens into something more modern and appropriate for a couple of architects and their boys.
Turn! Turn! Turn! The Byrds
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
