Dad
He used to shine my shoes,
said it was his military training,
couldn’t abide the scuff marks.
He used to offer mom broccoli,
as a bouquet,
every time they bought groceries.
He would go for veggie burgers with a friend,
though he wasn’t a vegetarian.
He made sure we were all equal,
treating everyone fairly,
never looking down on anyone.
His stern voice scared us,
his corny jokes made us all laugh.
Though he didn’t always understand us
he was there when it mattered,
tying skates and soccer shoes, attending concerts.
These small things
were how he said he loved us.
He used to shine my shoes.
He used to shine my shoes. Image by Heather Button. Copyright © http://atomic-temporary-30814180.wpcomstaging.com
What’s going on…
On July 16th, 2016, my dad died suddenly, unexpectedly. I wrote this for his funeral. I miss you daddy. I hope you know how well you loved, and how well you were loved by us all.
Dad and I, wedding day. Image Courtesy of Boyfriend/Girlfriend Photography http://boyfriendgirlfriendpictures.com.
Let’s Connect
How do you cope with loss? Do you write? Do you do anything else creatively? You can comment below, or find me on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Heather Button 
My dad died when I was 19. He was in a coma for 8 years before he died so I lost him when I was 11. I’m 47 now and have been married to a great girl for 25 years who takes care of me and my 3 awesome kids. I am very fortunate. Still somehow I feel lost. Other than the burning desire to be my own boss (my dad had his own business) I don’t know what I want to do with my life. Pretty sad for a grown man to wish his dad were here to hold his hand and show him the way. I have never put this in writing before and I have not done anything productive to cope with my loss. I thought that maybe letting someone know without having to say the words would somehow make me feel better. I guess we’ll see…. Thanks for your story and for taking the time to read this.
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My dad lost his dad at 11 also. I think he found it challenging to guide us in the teen years but he did a great job for the most part. I don’t think the loss goes away but I know dad found comfort in coaches and mentors. And he was often one himself.
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Very well written
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Thank you.
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Always welcome
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