Today is my Daddy's birthday. If he was still alive, he would have been 85. He died November 28, 1995 and I still miss him EVERY single day of my life.
It's also Glen's Mom Claire's birthday today too. She and Ted were born on the same day in the same year, 1923. He was kinda sweet on her, but that's another story for another time... She died in April 2005.
When I was visiting my family last month, my sister Renee gave to me a cigar box full of old pictures. When I saw this, my jaw just dropped open. I mean, I BUY these kinds of pictures of strangers at antiques shops. So to now have actual old pictures of my relatives? HEAVEN!!!
Here's a view of some family pictures...
And here's a collection of pictures of my Dad...
Most of these pictures are ones I have never seen before. I don't even know some of the people in the pictures. I recognize some names, but I never knew them. Wow. When I held the picture of my Dad, in his Army Air Force uniform, standing in front of a B-24 Liberator during WW II, I cried. Oh how I wish he was still here so I could ask him all about these pictures!!!
But this is picture that just melts my heart. This is how I remember my sweet Daddy. His love was the purest.
Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you and miss you forever.
Oh what a beautiful gift from Renee! I've had it happen to me, that years after my parents died, I find out something new about them. It's such an unexpected blessing, esp since all my family is gone now except my brother.
Congratulations on filling in some missing pieces that you didn't know were missing!
Posted by: Lilli | January 06, 2008 at 09:23 AM
My grandpa also flew B-24's in WW2. What year was your dad there and what crew was he in. How crazy if they were there at the same time. Great pictures!
Posted by: Claudine | January 06, 2008 at 04:03 PM
So sweet! by the way, I can see a definite resemblance between the two of you!
Posted by: Jana | January 06, 2008 at 04:17 PM
What a treasure to have all those wonderful heirloom photos! Such a special gift.
I can see the resemblance too from photos of yourself you have posted :)
Posted by: Bejeweled | January 06, 2008 at 05:51 PM
I don't think I've ever seen that picture of Daddy doing the dishes....but that is how I remember him too. He was such a "manly" man, yet at the same time would do dishes (with a smile) and then sit on the couch and cry at a Hallmark commercial with me. I sure do miss him too, every single day.
Posted by: simone | January 07, 2008 at 08:04 AM
such a wonderful gift...
what a treasure.
Posted by: tricia | January 07, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Oh Michelle, this is wonderful, thank you for this post. I agree about the photo of him doing dishes. Being the oldest and having stories associated with this image, seeing it is always a vivid experience. I'm so glad I released these to you, for they now have the perfect home.
Posted by: renee | January 07, 2008 at 10:50 AM
your Dad looks like a sweetie! what a neat post, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: andrea | January 07, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Michelle,
What a treasure you have in all those family photos and memories. I know when my grandmother died I took away loads of photos...so very special!
x...x
Posted by: stephanie | January 08, 2008 at 07:34 AM
That is so sweet! I have also purchased photos but have several hundred of my own family that I could use. will you use them in ephemera? I have not decided as of yet but there are wonderful wedding photos from the 40's and 50's that I want to use. Copy them, scrap(book) them, then send them out into the universe is what my husband says!
Posted by: Gina | January 12, 2008 at 11:10 AM