Sunday, April 24, 2011

A Tribute To My Father

 On February 21, my dearly beloved dad passed away at the wonderful age of 88.  Even so, his passing was quite unexpected; we called him our Energizer Bunny -- he always seemed to bounce back from each new malady that befell him as he grew older.  He was very much like the late Will Rogers: He never met a man he didn't like, and everyone who knew him adored him.
We went through the requisite emptying of his apartment at the senior living facility where he spent his last few years, and we brought home many of his things, including several boxes of facial tissue he had stashed away (he was always afraid he'd run out).  I became intrigued by a rendering of irises on one of the boxes; because they're such tall flowers, they were drawn winding their way around three sides of the container.  So I tried my hand at depicting them the way I thought they should look, using watercolor paints and black and white pens, and this picture poured forth.  
I'd like to think that love guided me through the process; I know that love was the inspiration.
We're going to miss you, Dad.
Love, 
Diane

15 comments:

imquilternity said...

What a lovely sentiment for your wonderful father. Your inspiration was indeed interesting, but fitting, since you found so many tissue boxes stored. I love stories like that and I'll bet your father would love it too!

Cathy said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Diane - what a lovely way to remember your dad in a very special way. My mom is in her 90's & also can't be without her tissues.

connie said...

Sorry for the loss of your father. But sounds like he is continuing to be an inspiration!!! Take Care!

Joan said...

So sad for your loss DIanne. I am sure he will alwasy be with you in your heart.

Unknown said...

Diane, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. What a beautiful way to pay tribute and to honor his memory.

Marcia - Crafty Sewing and Quilting said...

What a nice tribute to your father. How wonderful that you see ideas in an everyday box of Kleenex! Thanks for sharing.

Robbie said...

How beautiful and what a keepsake to have. A great way for you to remember your father! hope it gets framed and hung somewhere special.

Karen said...

What a wonderful post and a tribute to a wonderful man. I'm sorry for your loss, but so glad you found inspiration and created a lasting memory. Your artistic skills are getting so good!! Thanks for sharing.

Chris Daly said...

Oh Diane, I'm so sorry to hear that your father passed away. You've written a beautiful tribute to him. Thinking of you, Love, Chris

Bee said...

You are so talented...your painting is beautiful! I'm so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your Dad shows what a wonderful man he was. I'm sure he would have loved your painting and where you found your inspiration.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful man your father must have been. Certainly love was the inspiration, as you thought about him while painting these beautiful irises.

Quilt Rat said...

A beautiful tribute to a man who must have been phenomenal...it's no wonder that he is so missed. You are keeping him alive in your heart. Did you find the act of doing this painting a bit therapeutic?

and another question for you Diane....where did a high school math teacher learn to be such a fabulous painter?

Victoria said...

What a beautiful tribute, Diane. I am so sorry for your loss. My father passed 8 years ago, and he too was an Energizer Bunny, friend to all, and much loved... just like your father. This type of person tends to leave a big hole when they pass, and the missing them can be huge. Keep believing in that loving guidance, I am convinced it's there. Many hugs. xo

Marlaine said...

Diane, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I still remember him and how much he helped out in the yarn shop and all the blocking boards he made! He was such a wonderful man and your tribute to him is equally wonderful. What a beautiful painting!

Alice Byrne said...

=(That's a very touching tribute to your father. Although my daddy's still alive, I can't help but feel sad whenever I thinking of him passing away. I don't want him to leave this early. I can't stand the thought because I love him so much. Anyway, your daddy will always be there in your heart, just always remember that.

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