As it is the fourth Father’s Day since Georg left, of course, I am thinking of him this morning. Earlier this week, Facebook sent me a picture of him that I had taken the summer before he died. The strain on his face is quite visible. He was getting ready to move on. Seeing him on my news feed like that was a bit of shock. It did not remind me of Georg-the-vibrant one, but rather, Georg-the-failing. After a life full of so much creativity, joy, and adventure, he was coming to the end and he could feel it. I wish Facebook would not just randomly send memories like that. Who can one complain to about this?
Anyway, after he died, many friends who had lost a parent told me that there would come a day when I would get past the grief. I would be able to think about him and smile instead of cry. I suppose that day has arrived, more or less. I just want to remember him today and honor a few of the things he taught me or gave me, the things about him that will stay with me forever. Here are ten things I miss about Georg:
1. Going shopping with him. He was a foodie, my dad, long before foodie was a thing. He knew how to make grocery shopping really fun.
2. Watching him stand on a ladder to work on one of his large-scale drawings. He was so dedicated to his art. His dedication still inspires me.
3. Talking about a book or a film with him. Sharing ideas.
4. Being his sous-chef in the kitchen. I chopped a lot of parsley for him over the years.
5. Eating pizza with him. He loved a good pizza.
6. Feeling his generosity of spirit when he cooked meals for large groups of friends
7. Riding bikes with him. Challenging ourselves to get up the next hill.
8. Road tripping. He loved to drive to new places. He taught me to be adventurous in life.
9. Visiting an art museum together and just wandering.
10. Knowing that always, he loved me.
If your dad is still with you, call him today and let him know you are thinking of him. Overlook his foibles and any missteps. Instead, honor his strengths.
If your dad is gone, remember the things you love about him. It is not always easy to get through this life. Things happen. But a good dad is always there to guide you, even after he is gone.
Lisa Vihos: Poet and Novelist 