The reluctant fisherman and other fathers in my life

I just love this pic of my dad – his goofy grin and the big blue sky behind him while he holds this little fish pulled from some Canadian lake. I didn’t think of my dad as the *outdoorsy* type – heck he wouldn’t even eat most fish, but the chance to go away on a fishing trip with my brother and his buddies, well. I think this pic was taken on *the* trip when my dad talked non-stop for the whole car ride there – that’s my brother Kevin’s story to tell.

My father-in-law, at least 20 years before I met him, and smoking a cigarette no less! I miss him – talk about a man who had stories to tell.

My brother Kevin on his daughter’s Christening Day

My brother Brian with his Julia – both all legs!

Fathers, especially fathers of daughters: know that you are loved and that your impact will live beyond you. And know that we see the light you hold in your eyes, just for us, your daughters.

8 thoughts on “The reluctant fisherman and other fathers in my life”

  1. What a neat post.
    I saw on your dad’s hat the Masonic symbol. He was a Mason?
    All the men in my family, excluding my dad, were Masons. Cool!
    Are you sure that we aren’t related?
    🙂

  2. I heard this week that Father’s Day ranks just below Groundhog Day on a list of the importance of American holidays. Your touching tribute tells me it’s more imporatant than that!

  3. You have it absolutely right about fathers who loved their daughters, Laura. Their impact long outlives them. I’m grateful for that. My dad’s been gone since 1992 and the light he held in his eyes and the love that he had in his heart for me have been my constant companions.

  4. Robin Andrea: thanks for your visit. I think all daughters must know the special way their dad’s look at them – my brothers always teased that I could get away with the world! Very hard to see that light go out of my dad’s eyes for me as he was dying. In his last days, because of his illness, *he* had gone and I was just another somebody there at his bedside. It was so strange to be looked at that way. Anyway, I’ve read your tributes to your dad on your blog and was always moved by them. Blessings to you and your dad in his rest.

  5. Visiting you for the first time as I found you over at the lovely Secret Garden! I love your post about fathers. Really speaks to me too! I have an exact photo of my Dad with that grin and sparkle in his eye holding a fish out here on the Delta in CA! Being an only child and daughter I have been Daddy’s girl. Dad’s 82 now and I find myself feeling the days growing shorter and moments with him make me stop thinking about anything because I’m really so painfully aware of what he means to me. I can feel the impact already! Nice finding you somewhere in NJ!

  6. wonderful thoughts on fatherhood. great photos – I love the one of your dad! I’ve done my share of fishing in Canadian lakes – I can relate!

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