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I like that this challenge starts on March 1st. This is a special day for me. It's the day I lost my dad.
Dad grew up in Springfield, Vermont with an older brother and three younger sisters. He worked in insurance, but he always wanted to be a teacher. I think he liked that I was a teacher. Dad and I shared a love for cucumbers, movies, music, and Dairy Queen ice cream. We loved to have fun and laugh. We could spend hours together just talking about nothing.
Dad believed in me. He loved me. He told me every time I spoke with him. He showed me by his words, but more importantly through his actions.
Today we begin a month long challenge of writing everyday. Dad believed in facing challenges head on and running towards them. He believed in teamwork and in always showing up and doing your best. I’m here. I showed up. The challenge has begun.
And we’re off…
See you at the finish line, Dad!
And we’re off…
See you at the finish line, Dad!
Oh, Michelle! Such beautiful pictures of you and your dad, surely a beautiful man. My favorite line was how he filled up the room- but not at the expense of someone else. That is so key. You are such a generous, caring and encouraging person and I'm sure his influence has helped build the person you are today and the inspiration you are for us and your students. I know what you mean about thinking of him everyday. It's only been 2 months for me since I lost my Grandma, who was a treasure and lasting influence in my life, but I do think of her every single day and miss her each day too. Cheers to your dad and those loving people in our lives who leave their heart print with us forever.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and powerful way to start the writing month ...
ReplyDeleteKevin
Here's to Dad! He looks and sounds like just the person I'd want to start March off with as well. Thank you for sharing him and for digging out those wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteLove this -- I too will be thinking of my mom and day. These lines: "I ached because I would never get to talk to my dad again! Nine years later this day is about celebrating our memories and telling dad stories." speak to me. I want to celebrate and tell her story - our stories. Thank you for the inspiration and connection today. See you soon!
ReplyDeleteClare
I wasn't expecting to be brought to tears so early this morning, or on the first day of the challenge, but your piece did that for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle.
What a way to start the challenge! I am tearing up. Your dad looks like the kind of person we should all want to be. You look radiant in his arms. I'm sorry for your loss, but happy you have found a way to honor him by being the best you can be.
ReplyDeleteThose pictures are so heartwarming. Your words are a beautiful tribute to him. It's wonderful that you can celebrate him on the first day of this challenge!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures and words. You honor your dad everyday my friend. You rise everyday to greet challenges like your dad. You pay it forward. Your dad did one of his best pay it forward moves raising you.
ReplyDeleteI found inspiration and encouragement in your loving tribute to your dad. I loved how you linked his life beliefs to the challenge ahead. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful and loving inspiration you have for the month, Michelle. I love hearing about your dad, and seeing the special pictures. He sounds like a wonderful person, and you are fortunate to have had him as your dad.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this remembrance with us today, Michelle - a special man, father, and role model indeed.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful reflection of your dad, Michelle. I love your pictures. I definitely see the resemblance!
ReplyDeleteOh, Michelle, I love all your pics, but especially the next to last one! And this sentence: "We could spend hours together, talking about nothing." I like to think that he's hovering just above your shoulder watching you write your lovely words of tribute.
ReplyDeleteAll of these beautiful photos and snippets about who your father was as a person and a dad brought tears to my eyes. This was such a moving tribute, Michelle. I am certain he is looking down on you and is so proud of all you have accomplished as a teacher, friend, writer, and person since he has passed.
ReplyDeleteBTW: I may have to do this on 3/16 and 3/24 for my grandfather and grandmother respectively.
I am quite sure your dad is looking down and smiling! And what an honor to start the challenge each year thinking about him. I can tell by his pictures that if he was a writer, he would use lots of !!!!!!!!'s too! :)
ReplyDeleteOh Michelle, What a wonderful slice. I love the pictures and how you begin with the heaviness of the day but turn that to the positive feeling of a day to share Dad stories--- such hope and promise in that thinking. Love to you!
ReplyDeleteAw, Michelle! I'm thinking of you today. Your dad, like mine, was very special. We were "the girls." I'm so glad you're back and Slicing in March! This is my 3rd year -- I cannot believe it! You were one of my mentors that first year, and you continue to inspire my with your words! Have a great month!
ReplyDeleteOh Michelle, there are so many lines I could love in this...but he loved your through your actions is the one I will hold in my hear...it is not what we say...but what we do....that is why I write through tears and stress :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle, your reflection touched my heart, and caused it to pinch a bit at the words, "...I would never get to talk to my dad again!" That realization was so painful, and I am glad that, like you, I am mostly able to focus on the celebration of my father's life, rather than the loss. Thank you for sharing this tribute to your father.
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