Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Dear Daughters: Papa

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Dear Daughters,

So here we are in this newly changed world without Papa- or as I called him, Daddy.


Hard is hard no matter what month it is, but it feels especially hard to lose someone during this time of year.



So here’s what might help. 


Let’s keep a tight rein, and do the next right thing until we feel better.


Here is my list of things on my ‘do the next right thing’ list:


Tomorrow I am going to check the frozen 30 pound turkey I bought which is thawing in the refrigerator in the little house.


If it is still frozen, I am not going to use inappropriate language,  and using the common sense I learned from my parents as a child, I am going to break every Butter Ball rule known to man to get it thawed.


I am going to crumble the pan of cornbread I made tonight for the dressing,  so it dries just a little.


I am going to set the frozen pie crust I made tonight out on the counter to soften.


Tomorrow after I go to the flea market (because that is my therapy- especially when I am sad), I am going to roll out that dough and make a fresh apple pie and a pecan pie.


I am going to pray for traveling mercies for those of you traveling, and when you pull up in the driveway, I am going to squeeze your neck hard.


That is my ‘do the next right thing’ list for tomorrow.

 

Years ago, after Papa listened to me carry on once about things that were bothering me, he said,

”It sounds to me like you need things to be hard for a while.” 


And so it is.

 

I love you.

If you need something to make you laugh picture your mother wrestling with a frozen turkey.


Mom

20 comments:

Miss Merry said...

Blessings and peace to you this holiday season. (hugs)

Laurie said...

So sorry for your loss! Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

The Gathering Place said...

Beautiful post. Hope you find comfort and joy this holiday season!

Connie said...

So very sorry to hear of your father's passing. Wishing you & your family a happy Thanksgiving as you share good memories together.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Dear Laura, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family on the loss of your father. I can tell that he put some good things into his daughter, things that will live on. May you be warmed by the sweet memories, and comforted by the hand of God.

Southern Gal said...

Oh, Laura. I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a wise man in the advice he gave. And you'll press on and do the next right thing as he taught you to do. I pray God's comfort for you and your family. God's blessings on you this holiday season. And may you treasure those sweet memories and hold them close.

Stacey said...

I'll be thinking about you and your family, Laura.

Elizabethd said...

Many sympathies on your loss.

As to the Turkey (wow what a huge one!), it helps to put it in a bath of COLD water, which will speed the unfreezing.

Marigene said...

So sorry for your loss, Laura and family.
30# turkey, wow! There will leftovers to enjoy later.
Happy Thanksgiving, Laura.

Pondside said...

Dear Laura - I am so sorry for your loss. Those of us lucky enough to have parents long into our own adulthood are truly blessed. You will miss your Daddy, but it sounds like his wisdom and humor are strongly with you.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I am so sorry to read of your loss. It is never easy, especially this time of the year.

Unknown said...

I'm here for you and your family. Love you!

C-ingspots said...

Bittersweet sentiments. I lost my mom just before Christmas time 10 years ago, and my dear daddy right after my birthday almost 21 years ago, and I've still not recovered or stopped missing them. Life is truly, forever changed. I just love your daddy's words of advice to you. He was right, sometimes things are just hard. I'm so sorry for your loss. Hope you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Donnamae said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. In,it's my MIL just 7 short years ago...and my family still hasn't recovered. But, life does go on. I can so see you wrestling a 30 pounder! I checked on my 18 pounder this morning....it was still frozen. I think I may have broken a few rules too! Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ;)

Patty said...

When I saw the blog name in my email, I realized I hadn't seen it for awhile, and I am guessing it was because of the loss of your dad. I'm so sorry. I was a "daddy's girl" so that loss was a tough one for me in 2003. In 2004, it was my mother in law, then a year later my mom. Having no other family, (other than my spectacular hubby) it makes the holidays quite melancholy. I'll try to remember the things my dad said to me, as yours has said to you. That will bring a smile to my face. Hope you get that turkey thawed ! Blessings to you and yours.

Patty Marker said...

I just now opened this post and I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. From one daddy's girl to another the holidays (and everyday for a while) will be bittersweet. My love and prayers go out to you and your family. Patty

eileeninmd said...

Oh my, I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss and think of my own mother and father who will not be with us this Thanksgiving.

I sure hope your turkey is thawed out. I was worried about my turkey too.

Blessings to you and yours! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh Laura, your daddy was a true gentleman! He had all of the qualities that define a great man. Your daddy is up in heaven and I know his star is shinning bright!
Love and blessings, dear friend.
Nancy

Meggie said...

A very moving post. What I did, during our Thanksgiving family get-together is...take out my mother's rolling pin (old wooden one with red trim) and lay it down on the table, while baking cookies. It was reminder that she is still here, in spirit.

Leslie Harris said...

Your Dad sounds like an extraordinary man. And with Father's Day around the corner I'm thinking about you. I hope you're at a good place of healing --although I imagine that your Dad left a pretty big hole, he sounds THAT special.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend,
hugs,
Leslie

 

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