What a wonderful thing to do Lorraine. I’m going to do this for my parents, so lovely to be reflective and appreciative of our parents love, time and memories. I live in the US, thousands of miles from my parents who are in Hampshire, UK. This summer when they were both out visiting us here in CT, I interviewed both my Mum and my Dad recording their answers on my phone as we went along. We went from their childhood, their courting days, them as young parents, careers, moments of sadness, pride, joy, how they want to be remembered, etc... it was a wonderful wonderful exercise and I learnt so much that I didn’t know. I so recommend it. I also did a Desert Island Discs style exercise with them and they chose their 8 tracks. If I suddenly lose them I will be so glad I have these interviews, for their stories and also told in their own voices. 🥰
I really love this, Lorraine. Your dad sounds wonderful, I also love chocolate and dogs! Having just spent half an hour patiently working through long division homework with my 10 year old whilst he cried and resisted pretty strongly, it was oddly comforting to then immediately read that this very scene made your list of cherished memories. Perhaps things aren’t so bad after all!
Ahhhh Lorraine that’s so lovely. I listened to the podcast this morning too so understand your papa is so far doing well, long may that continue. Flipping challenging eh some of these emotions thrown at us? Older teens and parents - who’d have ever thought! Take care and thanks again 😘
Lorraine, your thoughtfulness and intuition on these topics is a gift. Thank you thank you for sharing your thoughts on topics that are so close to your heart. x
So moved - and also inspired - by what you've written here. Your list of things you are thanking your father for: wow. Read through tears (good ones). Thank you for sharing this with us.
These memories are so very precious; sincerest thanks for sharing them so beautifully here. These simple shared pleasures reveal so much of his character & spirit. As a firm ‘Daddy’s Girl’ (even as I approach 40. Zero shame in it) this gave me a wobbly lip & some food for thought - & not just because I adore chocolate.
I’ve been encouraging my own Dad to write down Memoirs of our Family History as he’s painstakingly researched it for years. He even managed to trace & visit the spot where my Great Uncle fell at Monte Cassino, for example. His memory for, for now, is as sharp as ever as he’s still young, yet his Sister’s has diminished with illness. I worry that these Stories will be lost otherwise.
My late Grandfather ‘Pop’ was a Policeman, too. He instilled my own duty of giving written Thanks. Always on the smartest of stationery, or within a carefully considered card. I treasure our exchanged letters more than any photograph.
I will be certain to start a list for my own Dad in tribute. I think it’s going to be a long one. All the best in adding to yours, Lorraine. I can’t imagine how emotional this time must be for you. Wishing him good health & longevity.
I was so touched by the list you wrote and it brought tears to my eyes. It made me reflect on my own special memories of my Dad...he's been gone for 20 years and I still miss him so much. I wish your Dad good health and a speedy recovery! Hold him close. xo
What a wonderful thing to do Lorraine. I’m going to do this for my parents, so lovely to be reflective and appreciative of our parents love, time and memories. I live in the US, thousands of miles from my parents who are in Hampshire, UK. This summer when they were both out visiting us here in CT, I interviewed both my Mum and my Dad recording their answers on my phone as we went along. We went from their childhood, their courting days, them as young parents, careers, moments of sadness, pride, joy, how they want to be remembered, etc... it was a wonderful wonderful exercise and I learnt so much that I didn’t know. I so recommend it. I also did a Desert Island Discs style exercise with them and they chose their 8 tracks. If I suddenly lose them I will be so glad I have these interviews, for their stories and also told in their own voices. 🥰
I really love this, Lorraine. Your dad sounds wonderful, I also love chocolate and dogs! Having just spent half an hour patiently working through long division homework with my 10 year old whilst he cried and resisted pretty strongly, it was oddly comforting to then immediately read that this very scene made your list of cherished memories. Perhaps things aren’t so bad after all!
Hope your dad feels better and can go home soon x
Ahhhh Lorraine that’s so lovely. I listened to the podcast this morning too so understand your papa is so far doing well, long may that continue. Flipping challenging eh some of these emotions thrown at us? Older teens and parents - who’d have ever thought! Take care and thanks again 😘
Lorraine, your thoughtfulness and intuition on these topics is a gift. Thank you thank you for sharing your thoughts on topics that are so close to your heart. x
Crying reading this. It’s reminded me of so much. Thank you.
Such a sweet post 💞 God bless you and your lovely Dad Lorraine 😇👍 We used to have a yellow Fiat 127, which as teenagers we were mortified by 😆
Oh Lorraine, that's just so beautiful 💓
So moved - and also inspired - by what you've written here. Your list of things you are thanking your father for: wow. Read through tears (good ones). Thank you for sharing this with us.
These memories are so very precious; sincerest thanks for sharing them so beautifully here. These simple shared pleasures reveal so much of his character & spirit. As a firm ‘Daddy’s Girl’ (even as I approach 40. Zero shame in it) this gave me a wobbly lip & some food for thought - & not just because I adore chocolate.
I’ve been encouraging my own Dad to write down Memoirs of our Family History as he’s painstakingly researched it for years. He even managed to trace & visit the spot where my Great Uncle fell at Monte Cassino, for example. His memory for, for now, is as sharp as ever as he’s still young, yet his Sister’s has diminished with illness. I worry that these Stories will be lost otherwise.
My late Grandfather ‘Pop’ was a Policeman, too. He instilled my own duty of giving written Thanks. Always on the smartest of stationery, or within a carefully considered card. I treasure our exchanged letters more than any photograph.
I will be certain to start a list for my own Dad in tribute. I think it’s going to be a long one. All the best in adding to yours, Lorraine. I can’t imagine how emotional this time must be for you. Wishing him good health & longevity.
I was so touched by the list you wrote and it brought tears to my eyes. It made me reflect on my own special memories of my Dad...he's been gone for 20 years and I still miss him so much. I wish your Dad good health and a speedy recovery! Hold him close. xo