Sweet Shoppe Designs

There are precious few photos from my childhood, but this one of me and my older brother with our father is definitely one of my favorites. It's hard to picture my dad this way as he was in a wheel chair for so many years after photo was taken. While I am very proud of my dad and the manner in which he handled his illness, I want to remember him like this. I want to hold this smile in my mind and call it forth every day and smile in return. I want to forget that pain etched lines around his mouth and dulled the twinkle in his eye. I want to remember how he slicked back his hair with Brylcreem and worked to get that Elvis curl on his forehead just right; not the buzz cut that was easier for him to take care of. I want to remember how he preferred button down shirts to the T-shirts that just slipped on and off. I want to remember how much he loved a good, strong cup of coffee, even after he had to sip it through a straw. I never want to forget how much he loved driving the kindergarten bus in the mornings before his real job or that he loved fast cars, old cars, and motorcycles. I will never forget how tall my dad was or how much I looked up to him even after he could no longer stand. The way my father lived his life was inspirational and I will never forget the lessons I learned from him during his illness, but these days when I think of my dad, I want to remember him walking.

Supplies:

Julie Billingsley Time for A change
Cindy Schneider Template 71
Julie Billingsley Daydream Believer
Meg Mullens Adventure Awaits
Kim Brodelet Thank You