Friday, July 24, 2009

Finishing Well

Today is my Dad’s birthday. As I reflected on that this morning, I began to think on our last summer together. As he realized he was losing his 5 year battle with cancer, He squeezed every drop of life he could from his remaining days. We had so much fun it makes me grin.

In the summer of 1990, I earned an expense-paid trip to Vienna, Austria as a reward for exceptional sales performance with the company I was with. (I’ve mentioned I love to travel and every time they offered a trip, I made sure to be there.) Dad was a musician of the highest degree; he could play any and every instrument, as he had taught orchestra and band for many years. His two favorite genres were big band and classical. Vienna was his dream trip. Cupcake was just 6 weeks old and Dad was in pain and using a cain, but off we went to Europe. I remember standing in elevators and riding in taxis with the strains of classical music accompanying our adventures. To my delight, without fail he could name composer and movement (Okay, I have to say it since I know you are: "What Was I Wearing?!")

I had so much fun pulling out photos this morning with Dad’s handwritten notes on the back. We danced together at a grand ball at the Hofburg palace. How’s that for finishing well?

Live well, my friend. Make every moment count.

11 comments:

Sue J. said...

Beverly,

This is just lovely, and such an excellent reminder to us all that each day is a treasure.

Speaking of treasures, the photos below today's blog show quite a treasure as well. What a legacy you are already beginning to share with her!

As for "Crayon Cupcakes" (I see you've used Cupcake, too!), CJ just came up with that name. You can draw with these just like any other crayon. We are thinking, though, that they are best for preschoolers and Kindergartners with big visions, big papers and not care about detailed drawings. We'll see.

Time to get your sleep back!

Mocha with Linda said...

Precious memories!

Zuzana said...

Beautiful post.
My parents are coming for a 2 weeks visit. I will make sure I make every single seconds spend with them count.
Have a lovely weekend.
xo

Saleslady371 said...

This is beautiful, just beautiful!

Christine said...

I join you in missing a Dad, also!
~sigh~

Heidi said...

Beautiful tribute to your dad. So neat he lived his last days to the full!

Reasons said...

Oh I bet that post made you cry and smile! Lovely Beverly, how nice you had that time together.

sara said...

what a beautiful tribute to your dad!!! I love that you got to do that with him...such special memories!!!

ok, I was less focused on what you were wearing and more on you hair!! :)

Edie said...

This is so beautiful Beverly. You and your dad look so cute on the dance floor.

Sylane Mack said...

Amen and amen and amen!
We each need to live well and live in love! And, my darlin' Beverly, it seems that you and your dad knew--and know--how to do this!

Life is so very precious, so very fleeting. It is good to celebrate the life God has given us!

Thank you, Beverly, for being such a fabulous example of this for all of us!

I just love you!!!

Hugs and prayers,
Sylane

Greg C said...

I have a similar memory of a day with my Dad. It was much simplier but it was still a day I will always remember. Today is my birthday by the way.