A Moment in His Shoes
My dad had the habit of standing on the front porch when one of us kids would leave from a visit.
I always found it to be sweet and comforting when I was embarking on a thirteen or fourteen hour drive back to Georgia.
I have developed that habit as well with my own children.
Even when my younger son drops off my granddaughter in the morning on his way to work, Nora and I will usually go out on the side porch and wave goodbye.
~~~
My older son once told me he thought it was creepy how I stood out there every time he went somewhere. He said it was like I was expecting him to die.
Could he be more wrong? I told him that I didn’t know how long I have and it was important to me that he knows he was more important than whatever was on TV or on the stove or whatever else was going on at the moment.
~~~
Witnessing my two sons and my daughter (in-law) grow into fine, strong, loving human beings has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and a true joy.
Being a grandmother is another of those rewarding, joyous, and life-changing experiences.
My three grandkids spent the weekend with us recently.
When their mom and dad came to pick them up at the end of the weekend, it was so obvious-the love they all have for one another.
I stood out on the side porch watching the family that came from my family going to their car laughing and joking with one another. The little one turned and said, “Bye, grandma!” and I wondered if my heart could hold any more love than it did at that moment.
What a bonus of having a family this is, to see your children grown, happy and thriving, living a beautiful life with their own children.
~~~
How many times did my dad stand on the front porch as I headed back to Georgia with my children and think the same thing I’m thinking now.
For just a moment, I’m standing in my father’s shoes.
With any luck, someday, my son will be standing in mine.
The view from the porch is priceless!
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Awe. I don’t get salt in my eye very often, but I did with this one ❤️❤️❤️
Pesky salt! I appreciate it and thanks for all the joy you bring to my life! ❤
Carol, this quote of yours from the ‘becoming’ posting, so fits this ‘standing in his shoes’ for me: “believe deep down in my heart and soul, that we’re not here to compete with one another, but rather to love each other and help each other through this life.” Your dad, your mom and all of their interactions with you kids, with their friends and with ME? have so helped me in my life then and since then as well. Seeing this photo of Art took me aback
. . ., as what is in my mind’s eye of your Walnut street front porch color? is red. And then I snap back to whatever present he’s in, and realize I didn’t spend near enough time continuing their presence in my life, and my presence in theirs. We connected so briefly for the weeks that Lucy brought Communion to my mom in 1988, before my mom died. It was a time that is etched in memory and comforts me still. Thank you. Judy
Thanks, Aunt Judy, for your kind and loving words. None of us got to spend enough time with mom and dad. There are things I would still like to talk to them about, things I still need help with, and so many things I’d still love to do for them.
But in our time together (and yours with them as well) we plant seeds within each other. Seeds of kindness and love, hope and worth, acceptance and support that grow and bloom through the years and remind us that we’re not alone in this life. Even death cannot alter them.
They continue to grow in us and with every act of kindness, every hand that reaches out, every hug, they’re still alive and growing within us. In this way, we’re always in each other’s hearts–just like you are in mine!
I’m glad this spoke to you and I’m glad that mom was there for you when you needed her. Love and hugs to you…c
I miss them, and all the little things they did to say “I love you” in their every day actions.
Lou, I miss them too, and the love they always showed us. I love that they didn’t tell us how to live, they showed us how to live. Probably the most loving thing a parent can do for a child. Love you sis…c
I absolutely love this ❣️ Thank you for sharing
Thanks Denice! ❤ And you’re welcome!
So special. I can relate. My mama and daddy always stood out on the front porch when any of us were leaving and we always blow our horn as we drive out of sight. I do it for anyone who comes to my house. I wave goodbye and watch until I can’t see the car anymore. Lovely Carol. Happy Easter my friend.✝️🥰✝️
It’s a wonderful tradition! I’m glad it’s being carried forward. Happy Easter to you and yours my friend! ❤
Aww. Your dad was such a sweetie. The porch goodbye is a wonderful memory. My dad had what I would call the long goodbye, following us out to the car, reminding us to be careful. Two of his favorite sayings were, “Drive careless!” and “Watch out for four-footed pedestrians!” The pedestrians he referred to were deer. I find myself saying those same things to friends at times. Happy Easter to you and your family!
How lucky were we to have grown up on Walnut Street with the awesome dads we had? Thanks for sharing that memory! Your dad was such a teddy bear! I wish you and your family a Happy Easter as well! ❤…c