Keith's Memories

The other day, Keith and I were talking about my Dad, and he started laughing. . .at a few of the memories he had of my Dad.

**One winter day, I think 2-3 years ago, my Dad called and said he was stuck in his driveway and could Keith come over and help.  Diamond never would shovel his driveway (which was a good thing for his age) but he also didn't want Keith to come and do it either.  So, Keith drove over to help my Dad get the car out.  Dad had the car stuck in a snowbank, and Keith was out trying to push.  He had my Dad put the car in reverse, gas and it wasn't moving.  I am not sure how long it took, (and to save Keith embarrassment, I won't even guess) but finally he looked and said. . ."the tires aren't even moving".  It was then that they both realized the emergency break was on.

**About 5 years ago, Keith went over to replace the ring on the bottom of his toilet upstairs.  Dad was helping, and Keith told him to push or drive a screwdriver into a specific spot.  Unfortunately, it went into Keith's hand instead.  He still has the scar on his hand to this day.

**One year, at least 7 years ago, Jeff and Wendy flew into Cleveland airport for a visit.  Dad and Keith were driving them back, and it was raining during this trip.  He went fairly fast on the trip out, but Jeff kept him a little under control.  On the way back, Keith didn't say a word. . .but he did pray as he wasn't sure that Diamond could see anything.

Away from home makes it easier....and harder

Keith and I would usually see my dad out and about the town at least once a week. This week is our church festival, and we would have had an evening supporting the church. He usually would buy, and then take home something after playing a few games of bingo or chuck-a-luck.
We are in San Diego, so I am no seeing him everywhere which is easier, but as I watched my niece and nephews play for the 2 weeks, I cry because he isn't here to see them. I had great memories of my grandfather, and it's sad they won't know him.
One of my best pictures is the one with him holding a 1 year old Graham as Carson, Mila, and Margot climbed around and over him. He laughed which, knowing my dad was a big statement to his enjoying hat moment.

Birthday memory of Diamond

My dad was usually hard to buy gifts for in the later years. He usually appreciated treats, notre dame shirts, and other items he didn't always buy for himself. While he took Keith and I out to Morton's for dinner, we usually took him to Max and Erma's or Texas Roadhouse. Over the years, cell phones, towels, a tv, luggage, etc. There were a couple years we took him to a Pirate game...once with the all you can eat tickets and once in the club seats. That was a real treat for all of us...more comfortable seats, inside seats to get cooled off, great choices for food. We had a fun time treating him and enjoying the game outside. I think those were great birthday presents cause he had company on his birthday.

Why this memory? Because today would have been Diamond's 77th birthday. Happy day...RIP! Dad.

Grand Canyon

I remember when my brother first moved to Phoenix. Dad decided to do a long trip out west and drive around sightseeing...Sedona, Grand Canyon, etc. He rented a car and planned out where to stay, took the time for pictures, watching shows, and taking in the beauty God made.

When I picked him up at the airport, he just kept telling me I needed to plan a trip to see it. When Keith and I traveled out here to visit, we kept saying we should, we should. Finally, this year, even before dad's death, we were going to go.

And, we did. In honor of the man who never stopped speaking of the majesty of God's world. It was amazing, breath-taking, and sad. We left an alumni commemorative coin from Notre Dame on a rock ledge where it will remain forever. It said God, Country, Notre Dame and had the dome on the other side. We left it for Diamond. Go with God.

Little Memories

Riding our bikes, big wheels and tricycles (as well as a firetruck) to the corner of Union and Ohio to meet Dad as he walked down the block from where the bus dropped him off.

Stopping in to see him when he worked in "the red building on the corner near the AL lab" as we walked home from school.  His whole office staff greeted us when we went in.  Sometimes it was just to cool off in September or May when it was a hot walk home.

Piling in his Chrysler Newport to go to high school. . .there were time we had 5 or more kids in that car.

Buying him new sweatbands for his birthday cause he wore them EVERY TIME he did something physical.

Heat wave

The memories come randomly.  On Thursday morning, as I was getting ready for a hot day, I thought to myself, I need to call Dad and make sure he doesn't try to walk in this hot weather.  Bam.  It hits that he doesn't need to worry about temperature cause I am sure the one in heaven is perfect.

Keeping things

I am an organizer.  I have been for many years, and even remember spending time re-shelving my books when I was young, cleaning out drawers and such.  Now, I tend to do purging every so often...many times it helps when I am feeling down.  It keeps a focus and makes me feel I am putting things away even when I can't put my emotions somewhere.

Last December, I was in my office looking at various "things" I had on the shelves along with the psych books for my class, the pics of Keith and I, the princess items given to me, etc.  I have initials from Mexico that are C A J even though my initials are C A H now.  I had a centerpiece from my mom's class reunion given to me because Keith and I helped out.  I got rid of a few items that had been given to me by former students (and the centerpiece which was dusty and needed to move on).  I also picked up a "rock formation" that was painted to look like 2 people.  It said "World's Best Counsellor" on it, and it was from my Dad.  The counsellor had ND on her shirt, and she has curly hair and glasses.  He bought it in one of the gift shops a few years back when he was in Cape May with family.  He was NOT a shopper and I know after my parents divorce, his gifts were almost always money to each of us, but he did ask me to help shop a few times for the nieces and nephews. 

I have 2 things he gave me unexpectedly. . .one is the rock counsellor and one is a decorative plaque with the Cape May lighthouse on them.  He brought both back from the beach for me, and I am thankful that in my "organizing and cleaning" that I didn't pitch either into a donate or trash pile.  He also gave fudge, jujubees and many times other foods we loved from Cape May.  But these 2 were ones he picked himself and gave to me.  A precious memory.

I also have one other item he bought me recently.  Keith and I took him to ND in 2010 for a game.  It was beautiful on Friday and we hit the bookstore.  Saturday it was raining off and on, very hard for a while.  We went and had breakfast, and spent about 2 hours in the ACC looking in the monogram rooms at all that was there.  I have some awesome pics I need to get off the camera card one of these days.  Before we did this, we stopped at the store before campus in the Eddy commons where Diamond found a light jacket he really liked.  He decided to have it shipped home, and as I was trying one on, he took it, added it to his and said, "put hers on the same bill and ship also"  I love my jacket when I need a pick me up cause its fun with writing on the back. . .cause Diamond was all about that.  We are going to give his to my Uncle and faithful sidekick at the ND games. 

Fathers are never the shoppers and while I have many precious gifts I can look at and remember my Mom, there are few that I can do with my Dad.  But, there are a few, and that makes it better.