Friday, November 5, 2010

Daddy's Little Girl

Thank you for you kind words of support and love.  Daddy died Tuesday morning.  His struggles are over.

My dad was a suit-wearing banker and he loved to buy me red dresses so....

Thoughts and memories and ideas that spring to mind as Daddy's little girl deals with the loss of his physical presence will be recorded and kept in the pocket on this page.

There may be other men who love their families as much as Dad loved us, but there is not one that loves them more - because that is just not possible. 

The following words are from an article sent by one of his friends to Dad in 1978 with the comment "This sounds like you" and he was so right - it is the way my daddy lived.

One Minute’s Time May Mean Much

It only takes a minute to stop and say a few words to the newcomer you have been passing by with a quick “Hello.” To turn and draw a person who is obviously feeling like an outsider into a chattering group. To make the introduction, that may not be necessary but is a mark of friendliness. To approach public servants as human beings, and not just machines placed there for your convenience. To slow down when you are driving to give a pedestrian a chance to get across the street without scurrying. To write a note to a person who is ill or who has lost a member of the family. To give another person a lift when you have means of transportation and he doesn’t, even though it means going a few blocks out of your way. To send a clipping to someone you know would enjoy seeing it but might have missed it. To turn away a discouraged looking door to door salesman with a kindly refusal rather than a curt “No.” To really listen to what a child is earnestly telling you. To answer a letter from a friend soon after you receive it, instead of putting it off for months. To take the trouble to pass along the good things that you know about others. To build up the person who is feeling low or seems worried or discouraged. To let other finish talking about themselves instead of hurriedly interrupting – so that you can talk about yourself. It only takes a minute to do the kind, the gracious, the friendly things that may mean more than you will ever know.

I love you Daddy.   You live on in my heart.

53 comments:

Veronica said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your daddy.

Greetings By Chera said...

Though I didn't grow up daddy's little girl, as an adult I have become daddy's "little" helper - which means more to me now then ever as he ages. You are in my thoughts!

Chera

Mary said...

With prayers to you and your family, always remember the happy moments you had with him. Mary

Kim Jenkins said...

I'm sorry to hear about your dad, I know how hard this can be as I lost mine several years ago. I will keep you in my prayers.

Your punch art is very sweet.

Kim

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad..............my heart goes out to you.

Gaby said...

Hello Ellen,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Hugs,
Gaby

slbt17 said...

bless you honey.
Sandra

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Bernadette

Alexandra said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your father, you have been in my thoughts during your excused abscence. I'm sure your father will be greatly missed but well remember. My condolences, Alexandra

Anonymous said...

Really sorry to hear of your loss...

Sara

Anonymous said...

Your post today brought tears to me eyes. And I don't even know you, nor do you know me. I have never been close to my Dad, but know that losing someone close to you is so hard. Continue to be strong. You are in my thoughts.

zuziqu said...

Ellen: Know that you are being prayed for and thought of often - both you and your family. Loss of a loved one is hard, and I pray you get the strength you need to get through one day, even one moment, at a time. Sue

Carol said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Daddys passing. My thoughts are with you at this sad time, having lost my own Dad a few years ago I really can relate to what your going through. Please take care and be sure to know we are all here for you. Thinking of you & your family. XX

Created by Kath said...

Ellen, I am sorry for the loss of your father and am so glad you took time away from your blog to be with him these last few days. I think you page is darling an d a great idea as a place to store ypur memories. Kath

Chris said...

I am also reading your comments on your Dad's passing with tears in my eyes. My Dad is a suit wearing banker too. He and my Mom raised a family of 8. He was strict when I was growing up but looking back with families of our own - we now understand why. He is in a nursing home now with dementia, kidney failure and Parkinson. Your father's comment about living a life full of love- comforted me. My Dad, too, has had that. I am sorry for your loss, Ellen. My prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Am sorry for the loss of your "Daddy." While I was never Daddy's girl either, I lost my Dad this past Easter to Parkinsons. He too was a "suit" man, who ended up being confined to a wheelchair needing full tme care. How the tables turn. Hang on to your wonderful, loving memories, as that is what will get you through the difficult days ahead. Your Daddy will always live on in your heart. Take care of you! Hugs. Maureen

Migdalia said...

So sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayes are with you..God Bless...

Anonymous said...

This post was a lovely tribute to your dad. Thanks for sharing such precious memories. Hugs, Alene

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you and your family.

Beverly

Carol L said...

I'm so very sorry for the terrible loss you're having to deal with, but these beautiful words describe someone who lived his life in the best possible way. My sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved father.

kilroy said...

I too was daddy's little, and only, girl. He was not a suit guy and in fact requested that we bury him in jeans and an open collar shirt. Your tribute to your dad was read with tears in my eyes too. May peace be with you and your family. Sue G

Estelle from Hernando, MS said...

Ellen, I too was a Daddy's little girl. I lost my daddy in 2003 and although I would love to hear his voice again, I would not have him come back to suffer again, I'm sure you feel the His loving around you and give you comfort at this difficult time. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Oh Ellen, I am so sorry. God bless you and your's.
Patricia Gessner

Lori B demo in WI said...

Ellen,
My prayers are with you as you begin your path as a "little girl" who has lost her Daddy. Your life will never be the same, but how blessed you have been to have has such a closeness with your Dad! Love the sweet card! Bless you!

Ann Aplin said...

Ellen & family, I am so sorry for your loss. I too was a Daddy's girl and still think about my dad every day since he died 18 years ago. I have odd moments when I want to talk politics or sports with him just to make a connection. The good memories that you have of your dad will carry you through your grief. It all takes time. Take care of yourself!

Fran said...

Ellen..So sorry to hear about your dad..I lost mine a few years ago so I know how you are feeling..the sorrow will fade but the memories are yours forever..You are in my prayers..

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your lost, it will be a year on Jan. 17 that I lost my Dad. My prayers and thoughts are with you
God Bless
susan in KY

Anonymous said...

My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. My Dad died 25 years ago and there is not a day that goes by where I do not think of him. We do heal and it does get easier, it just takes time.
Diane
Cape Town

Pauline Bennetts said...

Ellen, I have been a follower of your work for months and tell everyone about you and your work. I have never left a comment but when I read that your dad was unwell, I got sad now today I cry for you...So sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family all the way from oz..Take care Pauline

Whimcees said...

Dear Ellen,

So beautiful and full of love. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

Carolyn Sharkas said...

Ellen, I am so sorry for your loss.

hugs,

Dano

Margie said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family has my prayers.
Hugs!

Melanie said...

What a blessing that you had time with your Dad before he left this earth. What a gift he gave you of wonderful memories and beautiful times that you will always have. How marvelous for us that he supported you in developing your creative talent that you so freely share. We are blessed also by your Dad that he gave you to us with all of your talent and great stories of your life. I will wait for sparks of your Dad to shine in your work again.

CORSAI57 said...

I am so sorry for your loss you and your family is in my thoughts and prayers

CORSAI57 said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing with us.

Kim said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

maryp said...

The loss is hard, the memories make it bearable. My heart is with you and our family.

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss. What a beautiful way to remember him.

Marla said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad a week ago Friday, and I understand the heaviness of your heart. I was also "Daddy's little girl", so your entry is a comfort to me. Thank you so much for sharing during your grief. I will be praying for you and your family.

Bandon, Oregon said...

Oh Ellen... your Daddy and Little Girl is just so precious. Brought tears to my eyes... Back in the late '50s, I used to wait outside his work to jump in his arms to say hello... He too, was a suit wearing guy... and I, his little girl...

My heart is with you in your lost.. and daddy's do live on in our hearts forever...

Faith

Robbe said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear father, Ellen. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Losing a parent is very hard; my heart is heavy for your sadness. May memories of happier times get you through the days ahead.

A viewer from Vermont

Monica-FC said...

so sorry to hear about your dad. I lost mine 5 yrs ago and even though i wasn't a daddy's girl I still miss him. just look at the great memeories we have of them though.

Pat Castillo said...

I've been stopping by your blog to see if you'd updated how your dad was doing. I'm so sorry for your loss. I, too, am a daddy's girl and the thought of losing him is a bit overwhelming for me. I thought your tribute was beautiful and it brought tears to my ears. Know that God is hugging you through this hard time and at least your dad isn't suffering anymore. I'm sure he loved having you by his side...

Kriss said...

Thinking of you and our loss. Hope time will help heal and to let you know he lives on. I know you will see him again someday:)

Anonymous said...

so very sorry for your loss.

Deb B (Debadoo) said...

Ellen, I'm so sorry for your loss. I love the idea of your memories page. You have no idea how much this image touches me, suffice it to say my Daddy raised me by himself from the time I was 3 years old, and I lost him 21 years ago. I will definitely be doing my very best to CASE this one!

Kimmi said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. I lost my father 12 years ago and will always miss him. What a nice tribute to him with your "Daddy's girl page". He was blessed to have you as his little girl. Remember the wonderful memories you shared together. My prayers are with you & your family.

Kristine said...

I too am sorry for your loss and for all who were touched by him. What a wonderful man he is. Thank you for sharing your gift with us and may you be comforted by those precious memories.

Anonymous said...

Your in my thoughts...


Deb

Gayle McCracken said...

Ellen, I'm just catching up with your blog entries and wanted to extend my sincere sympathy for the recent loss of your Dad. No matter how old a daughter is, it is never easy to lose their Daddy. I experienced very similar circumstances that you described in his final days with my own Dad a year ago. Please know that time will slowly heal your heart; cherish all those wonderful memories!! Take good care of YOU!

Rusticdiva said...

Dear Ellen
So sorry to hear that your dear Dad is passing over.....I know the pain you must feel as I still feel it to this day and my Dad died 36 years ago. How very sad that we must move on and eventually move over to make room for those that follow.
I love your work and will keep watching.
Fondest regards
Jean (New Zealand)

- - Sheryl - - said...

WHen you posted this post back in Oct - I did not know of you or your art. I was introduced to your blog by a friend this weekend while scrapbooking. When I arrowed down to your blog and came to this past, I want to let you know - this post came on the 1 year anniversary of my father's passing.