Sometime around when I was 14 or so I added a nickname to “Daddy” and “Daddy Bear,” the two standard names for my father, and began calling him Waltie Wonderful. In part, it was in response to his somewhat buttoned-up CEO persona that I liked to rib him about, because I knew the man behind that pin-striped suit, and he wasn’t all that serious, and also I was a smart-ass teenager, so.
Very bittersweet memory. I really liked Walt and believe the sentiment was reciprocated. I remember how proud he was of the new ceiling in the Tulane Road house and how he looked up at it every time he visited. It was so enjoyable working on that project with him, trying to retain all the framing and drywall knowledge he was imparting. It's easy to understand why and how you miss him.
Beautiful writing Rebecca. I envy you, and anyone, who was close to either (or both) of their parents. I didn't have that. And I believe it left an emptiness in my soul and maybe even dictated my sadness growing up and uneven disposition as an adult. But we deal with the cards we are dealt and keep playing the game. And remain grateful for what we do have. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories. I was really moved by his birthday gift to you on your 18th.
My dad's 84th birthday was yesterday. It's bittersweet reading your fond recollections. I am genuinely glad for you, that you have such beautiful memories. My relationship with my father has been more complicated. Your words serve to remind me of how important it has been, to do better with my own children, who I have every hope will remember me with fondness. Thank you for this!
I love this sooo much. It’s so tender. My dad is going to be 83 this year and his health is failing. I know our days are limited and that makes me incredibly sad. Thank you for sharing your memories. ♥️
What an amazingly sweet series of memories. My dad would have been about the same age and much of what you wrote could have been written about my dad. Thanks for the memories.
So beautiful
Very bittersweet memory. I really liked Walt and believe the sentiment was reciprocated. I remember how proud he was of the new ceiling in the Tulane Road house and how he looked up at it every time he visited. It was so enjoyable working on that project with him, trying to retain all the framing and drywall knowledge he was imparting. It's easy to understand why and how you miss him.
I'm 68 now and I think, over it. All is forgiven. And it makes me very happy to hear stories like yours!
Beautiful writing Rebecca. I envy you, and anyone, who was close to either (or both) of their parents. I didn't have that. And I believe it left an emptiness in my soul and maybe even dictated my sadness growing up and uneven disposition as an adult. But we deal with the cards we are dealt and keep playing the game. And remain grateful for what we do have. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories. I was really moved by his birthday gift to you on your 18th.
My dad's 84th birthday was yesterday. It's bittersweet reading your fond recollections. I am genuinely glad for you, that you have such beautiful memories. My relationship with my father has been more complicated. Your words serve to remind me of how important it has been, to do better with my own children, who I have every hope will remember me with fondness. Thank you for this!
I love this sooo much. It’s so tender. My dad is going to be 83 this year and his health is failing. I know our days are limited and that makes me incredibly sad. Thank you for sharing your memories. ♥️
Beautiful Becca. Walt ie and Ralph. How did we get so lucky?
What an amazingly sweet series of memories. My dad would have been about the same age and much of what you wrote could have been written about my dad. Thanks for the memories.