I never saw any photos of my dad as a boy, or even a teenager, and neither did my mum. I don’t even know if any ever existed, but it seems fitting somehow, because he joined the army at 14, went prematurely grey at 18 and was married to his first wife with a baby on the way by the time he was 19, so he must have grown up pretty quickly. But sometimes I’ll look at my son and he reminds me so much of the grandfather he’s never known it makes me catch my breath.
Dad was the one who taught me how to ride a bike, how to draw and paint; he was always there to pick me up from school discos and he was there whenever my sister and I needed anything. I wish he’d been around to meet his grandchildren, because he would have been a brilliant granddad. I miss hearing his voice and his laugh and I miss his hugs and the smell of Brut and Old Spice.
23 years since we lost him and it still feels like yesterday.
*This is my entry to the Gallery and the theme this week is ‘dads’.
*UPDATE: After I wrote a feature for The Guardian about my search for my brother and sister someone came forward to give me a photo of my dad as a boy soldier. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to have seen a photo of my daddy as a teenager at last.
[…] For today’s Gallery, Tara Lara wanted us to take a photo of something we’d made. Something I don’t really do very much of any more is draw and paint, but at one time it used to be my big thing, particularly pop art. So I decided to show you the big birthday card I made for my dad. […]
First time I’ve visited your site. That was a lovely blog post, my wife lost her dad when she was 21, it was difficult to watch her go through the pain, feeling helpless. Over the years she’s learnt to cope with the loss but she still misses him, especially now we have children.
Sounds like the perfect Dad!
What a touching tribute. He looks like a lovely, friendly man. I love that he is fishing in his photo – my dad also loves to fish. I’m sure he’d have made a wonderful granddad. x
It always hurts doesn’t it, Liz. Your dad will be immensely proud of you and I can now picture him smiling as he looks at you.
CJ xx
Such a sad post but love shines through and maybe his spirit is living on large in your children.
Father’s Day must be hard for you
That’s a sad, but lovely post. Hugs to you x
Really touching Liz and a lovely photo. x
Lovely tribute to your dad, Liz.
Brut and Old Spice always bring back memories for me, too 🙂
Lovely tribute x
What a touching tribute, He sounds like a wonderful Dad. Nat
What a lovely touching post.
He is still watching and witnessing. He sounds like an amazing man. It is lovely to hear how much you cherished having him in your life. x
Awww, a touching tribute and thoughtful photograph. He sounds like an amazing man that lived his life fully. It’s lovely that his spirit is still so strong with you. Hugs x