A Written Note...
I went to my mailbox today, nothing exciting, until I looked at a brown envelope with handwriting so familiar to me. I opened it, unsure of the contents, and on his own personal beautiful stationery, a 6 page letter from my Dad. I think I mentioned that I live within 5 minutes of my parents and talk to them at least 2 times a day. So was the letter a surprise? Yep.....BUT Dad loves to write, in fact he has been writing a journal of his life to pass down to us once he is long gone. We are not allowed to read it now, only when he is "in heaven checking out the place before you get there", as he says. The contents of his letter to me were so touching, just asking me to slow it down a bit after the hospital saga . Words so sweet from the man I admire most in the world.
He writes every day, journal upon journal, I'm not sure how many books he has filled, his life has been full of funny outrageous stories and colorful characters floating in and out. A perfect Martin Scorsese movie for sure. He has lived (and still living) an amazing life. A wonderful husband and father to me,my brother and sister and a kind and generous friend to many. An example of what hard work and determination can do. He's a cool guy, I know you would like him. He has even given autographs on occasion! Not because of fame.. but proximity...his close friend is a famous retired sports player, when they are out to eat, their meals are usually interuppted by a fan, and they turn to Dad and ask for his autograph too. When they do, he always replies "I'm no one famous", but he is famous in my eyes. My son was born on Dad's birthday, January 15th. Little man made his entrance 5 days early, so it was a surprise and a cool birthday present too! They are so much alike in so many ways.
Although he doesn't even know how to turn on a computer, let alone read this post (Mom, maybe you can show him), I wanted you to *meet* my dad and share some pictures, while I go call him and thank him for his beautiful letter and tell him how much I love him and maybe inspire you to call someone you love too or write them a letter. ~ xo
How sweet is that? Even nicer that you live so close to your family. You can't beat that. Love the vintage B&W photo too.
Posted by: Lisa | September 25, 2007 at 04:54 PM
Okay! Now I'm crying!!! What a touching post & what a "HOT" dad! the apple doesn't fall to far as they say!! I'm sure you scared the pants off your family with the hospital saga.(I know you scared me & I wasn't even there!) IT must have really affected your dad to write such a beautiful letter to you! Read the letter again & SLOW down~(I'm with dad-you do to much!)You got me thinking of my sweet,tough,lovable dad & how much I love him!
LOL! My dad has a big tattoo too!!!xo tutts
Posted by: chris glynn | September 25, 2007 at 05:01 PM
That is so touching; it brought tears to my eyes just reading it. You are truly blessed to have such a wonderful, caring father.
Posted by: Kari C. | September 25, 2007 at 05:09 PM
Wow. Just plain wow.
xoxo
Trisha
Posted by: Trisha Evans | September 25, 2007 at 05:47 PM
Tara ~ how sooo wonderfully precious is your dad ~ those written words will be and are such treasures ~
Your dad is quite handsome ~ you look so much like him (not that you are handsome, just beautiful ) :o)
Posted by: Lori Avery | September 25, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Treasure him Tara...I speak from experience..
Posted by: Arlene | September 25, 2007 at 07:06 PM
Aw Tara...that is awesome!
He sounds like a wonderful man...
Priscilla
Posted by: Sweet Remembrance | September 25, 2007 at 07:08 PM
What a handsome guy, ist no wonder you are such a georgeous girl! Loved the slide show. It makes blogging a ton of pictures so much easier doesnt it?... Tracy
Posted by: Junk 2 Jewels | September 25, 2007 at 07:20 PM
Wonderful! what a way to honor a great Dad! Angelina
Posted by: Angelina | September 25, 2007 at 08:02 PM
Wow, How beautiful. So Nice to see a man especially a man of a Grown Daughter show his Love and Emotion. Just Remember you will always be your Daddy's Girl. Thank you for sharing that special moment. Jamie
Posted by: jamie | September 25, 2007 at 08:32 PM
Tara, what a special post, written from the heart, about your precious and much loved (and very handsome) dad... Thanks for sharing that! .. claudia
Posted by: claudia | September 25, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Your dad is Hot! Handsome guy! It's wonderful you cherish every moment with your father. I lost my daddy when I was 5, so I love hearing the closeness of father/daughter relationships. Thanks for sharing.
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa | September 25, 2007 at 09:06 PM
You are so lucky to still have your dad around. He seems like a really great guy. We should definatley treasure people while they are still here.
Posted by: Jen Rizzo | September 25, 2007 at 10:16 PM
WOW! Here I am sitting in tears thinking about my own father. How very much alike they are. I too, treasure my daddy! You daddy is very special in deed to have such a wonderful daughter like you. Take care and do as your daddy says...slow it down just a bit! Many hugs and warm thoughts coming your way.
Posted by: Robyn | September 25, 2007 at 11:14 PM
What a great Dad, Tara! Thanks for sharing his pics. with us. And what a sweet letter he sent you....a wonderful legacy he has.
:)
Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly | September 25, 2007 at 11:21 PM
your blog is lovely! i am lucky like you to have some great parents..I LOVE what you are doing here! thanks for the inspiration!!
take care, julie :)
Posted by: julie | September 26, 2007 at 01:12 AM
Oh my gosh...how special and incredbibly sweet!!! What a wonderful father you have :)
Posted by: Katy | September 26, 2007 at 06:19 AM
How touching, you are truly blessed to have such a wonderful Dad :)
Posted by: Joy | September 26, 2007 at 07:24 AM
Tara, this is such a beautiful post - thank you for sharing your Dad with us- he is a GEM and I know that you treasure him.
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | September 26, 2007 at 08:50 AM
I'm deffinantly a daddy's girl too!
Posted by: Lucinda | September 26, 2007 at 08:51 AM
Tara,
Thank you so much for sharing this story about your Dad. He sounds like an amazing guy. Hope you are feeling better and taking care of yourself.
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Jennie W. | September 26, 2007 at 09:44 AM
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad ... he does indeed sound like a special man. I'm new to your blog but am very happy that I found it! ~ Lynda
Posted by: Lynda ~ Hedgerow Hollow | September 26, 2007 at 09:57 AM
That was a lovely tribute... Dads are pretty special, aren't they? They take good care of their little girls :) I always enjoy seeing people appreciating the really important things in life.
Posted by: Jennifer | September 26, 2007 at 11:42 AM
You most certainly have the same smile as your Dad! Beautiful!!
Posted by: Sondra | September 26, 2007 at 12:40 PM
WHAT A SPECIAL, SPECIAL BLESSING YOU HAVE IN THAT RELATIONSHIP! It seems that is very uncommon...how precious! And...oh...men! They get more and more handsome as they age. Thanks for sharing. Take care of yourself. Blessings!
Posted by: ashley | September 26, 2007 at 02:29 PM
Awww....What a sweet post! And what a very handsome man he is!! And your Mom is beautiful too! No wonder you are such a pretty lady! Thank you for sharing this with us all.
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara @ Southern Lady's Vintage | September 26, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Tara, I don't know how I missed your blog, it is lovely. I was sorry to read about your adventure to the hospital and glad all is well, enjoy your time with your Daddy, definitely slow down a little now and be part of your moments as they come. I can't wait to read about your next assignment!
Posted by: Sandra@Shabby Rose Cottage | September 26, 2007 at 09:16 PM
Tara, what a blessing to have a Dad like that! I didn't, but made sure that I married a guy who would BE a Dad like that! (and he is)
sniffle.
Lidy
Posted by: Frenchgardenhouse | September 27, 2007 at 02:05 AM
How wonderful Tara that you and your parents have such a close relationship! Family is definitely the best blessing. XO~Janet
Posted by: Janet | September 27, 2007 at 09:19 AM
Tara, How great! So many of us I see are with out our Dads and feel how lucky you are! Such a handsome man too! Thank you for sharing such a remarkably interesting daddy with us! Lori
Posted by: Lori | September 27, 2007 at 10:26 AM
what a special dad, thanks for sharing what a lovely person he is...
sorry to hear about your hospital adventure, glad you are on the mend...
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | September 27, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Dear Tara,
I became a bit melancholy when I saw the earlier photo's of your father. My father passed away when I was tiny, I have no memory of him, but I too possess black and white photo's of my father. Your father is a beautiful man, of course you already know that...Looking at your photo's was bittersweet for me, thank you so much for sharing~
Warmest Regards,
Michelle
Posted by: Rose Petals & Blooms | September 28, 2007 at 09:36 AM
Your slide has inspired me to make one of my own Father. He has been in Heaven for 10 years now but I still feel his presence. It seems he was alot like your Dad. Thanks so much for sharing. It was beautiful! Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Rose Bella | January 07, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Good Morning Tara,
Your blog and your site are absolutely gorgeous! Your new picture by your "6 year old" is wonderful! You obvoiusly have a beautiful relationship with her, enjoy every moment...My daughter is turning 27 years old next month and we are planning her wedding...so much fun but I must say I miss the "6 year old" days...Happy New Year to you and yours...Ann
Posted by: Ann | January 07, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Your new site is beautiful. I hadn't visited for a while and really enjoyed exploring and "catching up". Your family is gorgeous and I enjoyed getting to know them through your blog. Thank you for sharing your beautifully romantic style with all of us!
Posted by: Betty | January 08, 2008 at 09:17 AM
It is probably a good thing I no longer live in Florida or else I would spend days and days in your shop. I have yet to find anything I don't love. I love "Romantic Homes" and "Romantic Country" magazines. I have enjoyed the articles written about you so much. Your site is beautiful and I will visit it every chance I get. Thank you for putting so much Romance where all of us can enjoy it.
Posted by: Barbara Diehl | January 08, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Dad's can make all the difference in the world, and they can be such hero's. Bless your father and take care.
Jennifer Taylor
Posted by: Jennifer Taylor | January 10, 2008 at 06:57 AM