Monday, May 26, 2008

Day 8 of 21: Father's shoes

I spent my adult life living on different islands and would visit my parents from time to time. But I have to admit, that the worse part of trips back home was leaving. It was really, really stressful to me. But, my dad, who was the one that drove me to the airport always made it a little easier. As he hugged me goodbye, he always slipped some money into my hand and would say, "Don't tell Mom. It's your hamburger money" with tears in his eyes. You see, my dad would save his cigarette allowance so he could give me something during our "special" time. The money really was not the issue cuz he knew I could buy my own food. But, still, it was his way of showing me how much he loved me, even when he couldn't say it. I love you Dad.

Thanks for your comments on my last post everyone! I've decided I'll hang on to Dad's shoes. For me, they represent hard work, dedication to a family, and lots and lots of love.

22 comments:

Anita Davies said...

What a guy!
I think you've made the right decision. Thanks for sharing this wonderful sketch and a little of a man I think we'd all like to have known.

Lin said...

AWESOMELY DONE shows, Joan -- and a tremendous tribute!

brian nelson said...

A great tribute to your Dad!

wagonized said...

Whoa, this is so well told, Joan. The drawing is the JoanY kind that makes me want to draw the same thing, because it is so inspiring.
Beautiful!

Genine said...

joan this is amazing both your drawing and the story of your father.

Unknown said...

what a wonderful post Joan...so touching and I think you made the right choice to keep them...

amazing what our wonderful memories can bring to us in any moment....love it...

Unknown said...

I know what coming back home from time to time is, I know how difficult the leaving (in so many senses) could be. After the story this is not a simple great drawing... Thanks for it!

Joan Y said...

Thanks Anita, Lin, Brian, France, Genine, and Miguel! I feel that by sharing stories about my dad, you get to know him a bit too. He would have thought it was a blast that I had friends like you all in all corners of the world. :) Thanks everyone!

Kathleen Rietz said...

How touching. Thanks for sharing the drawing and the story. Your dad was a sweet guy.

Anonymous said...

Really beautiful sketch. And the story about your dad was moving. I'm glad you're keeping the boots.

Susan's Scribbles said...

Nice tribute to your dad Joan. Sounds like he was a great guy. So glad you shared.

Anonymous said...

What an inspirational dad, and I'm so pleased you're keeping those boots.

mrana said...

Brilliant drawings Joan (I'm trying to catch up!) but this one is truly special. I'm glad you decided to keep his shoes.

Anonymous said...

Not only is this a beautiful drawing, Joan, but the meaning behind it and the story about your dad is really moving.

I know how hard it is when we have to say goodbye to family when we're so far away, so your story has a lot of meaning to me. Thanks so much for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Two beautiful posts Joan and wouldn't he be proud to see such beautiful rendering of these story-filled boots!
ronell

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Oh beautiful, Jo. I had tears n my eyes reading both this, and the last, posts. I would like to have met him.

caseytoussaint said...

that's a wonderful post, Joan, and such a nice tribute to your dad. Good for you for holding on tot he shoes - and your drawing is exceptional.

suzanne cabrera said...

Oh Joan...this is such a beautiful tribute. This post brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful drawing and a beautiful story. Thanks so much for sharing both with us. I'm going to call my dad right now.

Mellanie

Rick said...

Very good drawing - very touching story. I have three girls, I don't smoke, but would give them anything they need/want to be happy.

http://organizeddoodles.blogspot.com/

Terry Banderas said...

Joan--
Great lines on Father's Shoes. In fact, all of your display of artwork is fun to view. You have been busy.

Meda said...

This is a wonderful story that is told in an even more wonderful way.
It really made me cry. Thanks for sharing. As for the drawing, I really love all the details in it.