Honoring my dad in Heaven this Father’s Day with memories, stories, and the little things that still make me smile. A heartfelt tribute to the best dad!
Wishing my Dad a Happy Father’s Day in Heaven! Not a day goes by that I don’t think of all the things he did for me over the years – big things, small things, and all the quiet, steady love in between. If you’re missing your dad today too, I hope these memories bring you a little comfort.
The Little Tote That Says Everything
This small canvas tote reminds me of my dad so much. He could fix anything. He could build anything too—although he always insisted, “I’m not a carpenter!” But if I asked him to build something, he always did.
He even made two beautiful conservatories for me out of old windows when I had my flower shop. I used them for my Herb Day displays every winter. One of them was so big I couldn’t get it through the doorway by myself! Which in true “me” fashion, I didn’t discover until 10 pm when I was trying to load the van for the show the next day!
His Workshop: A Treasure Hunt of Memories
My dad had the most amazing old workbench. I wish I could have brought it to Florida—it had the neatest legs and a little notch cut out for his vise. The picture below reminds me so much of it.
When we cleaned out his workshop, we found so many boxes of nails and screws. And I swear he always used a 10‑penny nail to hang a picture! Both the farmhouse and the modular house had giant nails in the walls.
And the mechanical pencils… I think I found over twenty in one drawer. He loved those things.
Unexpected Finds While Downsizing
Part of what made downsizing so emotional was going through all the family papers. I found things I never knew existed—like his real estate exam paperwork and business cards. I remember him taking the exam, but I don’t remember him ever pursuing it. I was probably too wrapped up in my own life to notice.
I also found a letter he wrote to one of his older sisters while he was in the Navy—74 years old and tucked away in a file folder.
I actually didn’t “find” this picture, it was taped inside one of the kitchen cabinets. That is my Dad peeking out from behind the tractor wheel. His brother, Lloyd is leaning against the tractor. Lloyd is the brother that had the real estate business. I originally thought it was my grandpa leaning against the tractor but after some research, I figured out it was actually my uncle!
One of my good friends from Illinois sent me this card last fall. Inside was the little pencil, a campaign gift my Dad handed out when he ran for Road Commissioner in the early 80’s. My friend found it in one of her drawers! It brought a smile to my face when I received it.
Memories That Still Make Me Smile
One of my earliest memories is going fishing with my dad at a lake in Arkansas. I was probably four or five. Some of the fish were too small to keep, so he threw them back. For some reason, I was terrified he was going to throw me in too. Of course he didn’t—but that’s how little-kid brains work.
And then there’s the family legend: after visiting Santa when I was two or three, I told my mom, “Santa has green eyes like my Daddy.”
There’s a whole story behind that Santa and the building he was in—you can read more about it here: Santa Really Does Have Green Eyes…
And a little more here: Sprout Grow Bloom!
A Day I’ll Never Forget: The Honor Flight
One of the greatest honors of my life was escorting my dad on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. It was a full day celebrating World War II veterans, and the organization does the most incredible job. You can read more about our trip here: Honor Flight Network
How ‘Bout Them Cubs!
My dad took me to several Cubs games when I was growing up. When I was older, I returned the favor by taking him on a bus trip to a game when I worked at a bank in Champaign, Illinois.
And yes… the “mom jeans” and shoulder pads were out in full force.
In honor of our love of baseball, here is an Americana Baseball inspired centerpiece! The instructions on making it can be found here:
Forever Grateful
My parents had me when they were older, and I was blessed to have my dad in my life until he was 91¾. I miss him every single day, but I’m so grateful for the memories, the stories, and the love he left behind.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad. And Happy Father’s Day to all the dads—here with us and watching over us.
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there!
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Aww such beautiful memories! Dads are so special! It’s wonderful you had a great relationship with your dad. Great pictures love the baseball display !
Thank you , Mary Anne! My heart aches for those that don’t have a great relationship with their Dads. Have a great Sunday!
Kimberly, thank you for sharing your memories of your dad. I think of mine often with so much love and grated that I had such a wonderful father too. So blessed.