" IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN"
George Eliot
George Eliot was actually a pen name for a woman named Mary Anne Evans......

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Friday, February 26, 2010

PINK SATURDAY - MY SPECIAL GUARDIAN ANGEL

My Dad, one month before he passed away

Good Morning! If you would be so kind to please click on to "Dance with my Father Again" on my Playlist to set the tone of this post. Thank you!

I am posting this early for Pink Saturday because today, on Feb. 26th, it has been 23 years since my Father has been missing from my life. I dedicate this post to him because he is my Guardian Angel. I started to collect Angels after he passed away and you will see , in this post, some of my collection that I have on display throughout our home.

I was just 29 years old and my sons were only 3 and 5 years old when my Father died suddenly at the age of 67 from a massive heart attack.

I am proud to say that I am a Carpenter's daughter. After WWII, my Dad went to GI school. There he learned carpentry, electrical, plumbing, cabinet making and upholstery. He built the 2 homes that I lived in before I got married.

Unfortunately, my sons would never benefit from his vast knowledge. Sadly, Jim, my younger son, has no memory of him. Joey, my oldest, has one memory and it is so typical of who my dad was. He remembers my Dad lying on the floor , playing with him. I am so grateful that this is how he remembers him.

I learned so much from my Dad. Here are a few things:

How to upholster my Dining Room chairs
How to use a roller the right way when painting
How to put up wall paper border

How to spackle the holes in my dry wall so he would not have to come up every time I decided to change my Wall Art around, even though I know he would have jumped at the chance just to visit with me

How to stain furniture
How to plant flowers and shrubs

How to lay a brick walkway
How NOT to step in a paint can

How to decorate for Christmas. You see, it was my Father who could not wait to bring the Christmas decorations up from the basement.

And one of the most important things he taught me was to NEVER let anybody use you as a door mat

He taught me kindness , compassion and understanding. I always said that if my Dad could drive me to the Moon, he would. He drove me and all of my friends everywhere I ever asked him to take us and NEVER complained about it. I made sure I did the same for my own sons and their friends.

I was his Debbie Webbie. When he called me Deborah, I knew he meant business. But that was not too often. He was the teddy bear in the family.

Mitch Album , one of my favorite authors, posed the question in his book " For One More Day", What would you do if you could spend one more day with a loved one? That day would be spent with my Father, just talking.

I started this post by saying that it has been 23 years since my Dad has been missing from my life. I was WRONG! Not a day goes by that I do not think of him.

I hear him saying "That a girl!" when I finish a project in my home. I see him smiling with that tear in his eye when either my sons or I accomplish a particular goal. I have felt his presence watching over me for these 23 years , keeping me safe, keeping me happy.
I carry him with me in my heart and he is with me forever. He is MY GUARDIAN ANGEL.
I miss you, Daddy!

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read this special PINK SATURDAY post. Please visit Beverly by clicking here to visit all the participants in Pink Saturday.

Also please visit Sandy at www.RomantiqueInspirations.blogspot.com She has a beautiful Blog that I am sure you will love!

Hugs,
Debbie

51 Dabble comments:

Lisa & Gerald said...

Awww what a beautiful post..Very touching..I have tears in my eyes..I also have learned lots from my father.. he's going to be 63 years old this july..Fathers are so wonderful...Hugs.....

Marilyn said...

What a heartfelt & moving post for your Dad. He was a very special man.....
My Dad left me in 2004. He was an electrician & actually grew up in Olyphant.
I think little girls always have a special place where their Daddy's love is stored!
Have a Wonderful Day!
Marilyn
xxoo

Marydon Ford said...

What a loving write of your Father. It is great you have such warm memories of moments with him.

I am not as fortunate, with no caring moments with mine.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs, TTFN ~ Marydon

Judi said...

Hi Debbie
I know what you are writing about *hugs* and I am very sorry for your loss. You were far to young to lose your father and your father was far too young. I lost my father 3 years this coming June and I miss him so much also. I don't think a day goes by that he is not on my mind...sometimes in happy memories and sometimes just because I am really missing him.

You have beautiful memories to remember your father and that is so very special. You will have him in your heart forever and that is so precious.

I hope you'll have a good day...*hugs*
HAPPY PINK Saturday..
Judi

Marie said...

oh debbie,
such a beautiful expression of the great love you have for your dad. my mom went to heaven when i was 19, she was just 41, i celebrate her life everyday as you do your dad's.
blessings
marie

Sherry from Alabama said...

What a sweet post, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I was/am a Daddy's girl too. I am blessed to still have both my parents with me.

Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

CARMELINA LOUNSBURY said...

It's true what they say about Daddy's and their little girls...I lost my dad almost two years ago....

we learn so much from our fathers...I got my dad's witt and sharp tongue!

thinking of you...
ciao
carmelina

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Oh Debbie, What a lovely tribute of your Dad..... how special he was to you. I lost my mom about 7 years ago, and I still find it hard that she is gone. I know we have great memories of them, but sometimes it just isn't enough. How wonderful that your Dad knew how to do all these great things that are so useful in our everyday living and was able to teach you some of them. You should be proud of yourself for being knowledgeable in areas where men aught to be and are not and all because of your sweet dad.... he he

My goodness Debbie, so many lovely treasures and I'm especially fond of the pitcher....

Oh and thanks for you know what....

Hugs*

Ginger said...

What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Dad. It was very moving. I still have both my parents but don't see my Dad as much as I would like to, I need to change that!! I know he is looking down at you proudly and saying "That a girl!"

Hugs
Ginger

Grace said...

What a touching beautiful dedication to your dad! Thank you for sharing your wonderful heart and story with us. I love love love all your angels! Happy Pink Saturday Grace xoxo

Maggie said...

Happy Pink Saturday. How wonderful to remember your father like this!

Maggie Mae
"Do these shoes match this purse?"

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Dear Debbie, I've got tears as I write this to you. I miss my daddy, too. He has been gone for 3 yrs. on March 1st. Everything you wrote about your dad, I could also say about mine. Your daddy sounds like such a wonderful man. Perhaps he and my daddy have met already. I look forward to the day we can all be together again. THanks for such a sweet tribute. Your angel collection is also beautiful!

Happy PS!

Big Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Betty Jo said...

Debbie I'm an absolute muddle of tears right now after reading this beautiful, beautiful tribute to your wonderful father while listening to the song. I'm so very sorry you lost him, but so glad he left you with sooooo much, and so many wonderful memories. I'm going to send your link to my son and daughter-in-love as they are still struggling with the lost of my precious husband, their father, last year. I know this will touch them as much as it has me. Bless you Dear Heart for sharing! Have a wonderful Pink Saturday!! ♥

PS: I signed up to follow your beautiful blog too!

Couture de Papier said...

Sorry for your loss.I love your angels Blessings.
Happy Pink Saturday

Jacalyn @ rmebathproducts.com said...

Awww Debbie what a heart-felt post today! I think you are right too that when people die they don't leave us. Rather, they are with us in different ways! You are blessed to have such a wonderful dad!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Good morning Debbie,
What a wonderful tribute to your father! He sounds a lot like my Daddy too. My father was also 67 when he died of heart failure; shocking! He also taught me much. He also was a carpenter, painter, artist, and those were just his hobbies! A beautiful post for Pink Saturday. Have a lovely weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

What a beautiful tribute to the memory of your dear dad! My dad passed in 1980 and I still miss him. He, too, was a creative carpenter and built our family a cottage on a beautiful lake. He envisioned a place where all his children and grandchildren could come together in years to come and enjoy one another...and that's exactly what we do! HAPPY PINK DAY!
Hugs,
Coralie

Lynn@ The Vintage Nest said...

Beautiful post Debbie....just stirring and heart warming. My Dad died young too. He and I were very close and the answer to your question "what would you do for one more day"...I'd spend it with him at lunch just talking or not talking. That's the way we were....HPS

ThriftyAnnabella said...

Such a sweet post and so many great memories of your father. Unfortunately, my father passed away when I was very, very young and I only have a couple of memories of him. All of your pictures are gorgeous. I just oohed and ahhed at all of your pretties. Happy Pink Saturday!

CC said...

What a sweet,loving tribute to your sweet father. I know how you feel..you see.my father was always and still is ,my hero. He's been gone many years now..but he's with me every day in my heart and thoughts. Hugs for you Debbie..I know how you miss him.
May your pinks be happy and hope you have a great weekend.

BethieJ said...

What a BEAUTIFUL post...I enjoyed seeing all your lovely photos too!
Happy PINK Saturday!

Our Back Porch said...

What a wonderful post dedicated to your Dad, Debbie. You have shown us what a kind and wise man he was. I enjoyed your photos too. God Bless and Happy PS!

Back Porch Blessings,
Rebecca

Gracie Jewellery said...

Lovely tribute to your dad. Thank you.

Nan said...

I enjoyed visiting you for the first time and thanks for the visit to my blog. My father died when I was 25 of the same as yours a massive heart attack. My children were only 2 and 3 and don't remember him at all. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact they could not remember all the love he gave them and what a wonderful man he was. I can relate to your feeling about your Dad.

Vicki said...

Hello, dear friend,
Such a sweet and loving tribute to your daddy! What a wonderful man he was who loved his home and family!! My dad and your dad seem to be cut out of the same material! Your memories will always keep your dad close by!! Happy Pink Saturday and I loved all of your angels. The guardian angel picture is one of my favorites!! Vicki

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Good morning my Dear Debbie, this just made me cry girl...what a Love story about a great man...I just lost my Daddy 4 years ago and I still think of him every day and each Sunday after 60 minutes show I want to pick up the phone and call him like I use to...sighs...
Girl you by far have some beautiful things in your home you can see all the love you have put into it...My Mama use to have that Iris pitcher with glasses..now I wonder how that got away from me ha ha!! May you have a GREAT weekend my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Theresa said...

Oh Debbie, I just can't keep the tears from flowing. What a touching and moving tribute to your wonderful Dad. I would have liked to have known him. Although he is no longer on the earth, it is plain that he lives on in your heart and in every fiber of your being. You are richly blessed. Thank you for sharing from the depths of your heart this wonderful man who is your Dad. Have a lovely week and thank you so much for visiting Comfort Cottage and taking the time to encourage me. It means so much. Hugs, Terri

Riet said...

What a beautiful post for your father. I have been admiring your angels. All beautiful

Ann Creek said...

All your pink decorating is pretty. I spotted a pink purse that lit up. So pretty. Have a great Pink Saturday.
Ann

WhineNRoses said...

Debbie,
Your post is so beautiful!! I lost my father of massive heart attack when I was 10yrs old and he was only 31.
I know our dads have very special places in our hearts!!! I am saddened that my kids will never know him!!!
Your blog is beautiful and your home is amazing!! I am now a follower!!!
Have a blessed weekend!!
Love,
Jenn~

Monica@The White Bench said...

Hello Debbie,
you brought tears to my eyes with this post!
Our parents are such a blessing...
Happy PS,
Monica.

Bella said...

What a beautiful and moving post. Thanks very much for sharing. Your dad sounds like a special man. Happy Pink Saturday!

Jenny S said...

Awwww, I am sitting here crying with my son looking at me like I am a nut!! I love my daddy too! I am 33 years old and still call him daddy and I agree, he would still drive me to the moon if I asked him too!

Cottage Rose said...

Hello Debbie; What a beautiful tribute to you Dad,,My daddy passed away 4yrs ago, there is just something about a Dad and his little girl..
love all you pretty Pink Angles...

Happy Pink Saturday;
Hugs;
Alaura

Martha's Favorites said...

Debbie: My over the top friend. I love your angel collection. You have more than I do. Wow! You post on your father is wonderful. I had a Daddy like that, you just never get over them do you? Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories with us. Blessings, Martha

Lisa said...

Debbie ~ What a lovely tribute to your dear sweet father. Thanks so much for sharing some of your wonderful memories.

Your collection of angels is amazing, they are absolutely beautiful.

Lisa
http://www.palepinkandroses.typepad.com

Sonia said...

Well Debbie...I have tears running down my face...I miss my Dad so much! It's been 8 and a half years...he too died of a sudden heart attack and left a big hole in my life that only he could fill! Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories of your Dad and what he taught you. My Dad taught me many things but most important he taught me to work hard and my work ethic comes from him! Bless you my friend...hope you dwell on the good memories everyday...I do!

Miss Bloomers/Sonia

Cathy said...

Hi Debbie,

What a lovely post about your sweet Father. I know how much you miss him. Both of my parents have been gone for a very long time now. I miss my Mother quite alot, she passed when I was 21. It's been a long life without her in it, so I know just where you are coming from my friend.

xo Cathy

Anne - Fiona and Twig said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sweet dad!
I truly believe that he's your guardian angel, looking down on you...and surely smiling!

Have a very blessed Sunday!
Anne

Jeanne said...

Hi Debbie, your dad's memory is the most beautiful story. The angels in your collection are beautiful. Each darling angel must give you so much joy. Beautiful.
My dad has been gone 15 years and I too miss him so much. I called my dad daddy too.

Happy PS.
Hugs, Jeanne

The Homemaker In High Heels said...

Oh, Miss Debbie!That is so precious.I'm sure he would be so very proud of you today and of your wonderful family.
{{hugs}}

Mari said...

wow what a beautiful post and i love all your angels sooo beautiful!!!

Rebecca said...

Sniff...

Such a heartfelt post. You made me cry... How blessed you are.

Love to you~Rebecca

The Victorian Parlor said...

Debbie,

This post is beautiful. I enjoyed reading about your dad and all the wonderful things that he taught you. He sounds like an amazing man! Your pictures are lovely too but I must say the story of your father is the most beautiful:)!

Blessings,

Kim

Tammy@ A Doctor in the House said...

What a moving post! It made me cry. We lost my father in law 2 years ago and I hear my husband often say the same thing, he would love to have a day to just talk to his dad. Sounds like your dad was one of a kind. Glad you are able to keep him alive in your memories and heart.

Meg said...

Debbie, Do you usually get this many comments on PS? Your post was wonderful. I still have my Dad and we just celebrated my mum's 75th birthday and I know how precious it is to have them. They live 4 hours away so I don't see them as often as I would like but after your post, I think I will try harder this year to see them more. Love that song I always have thanks for sharing so deeply. I hope I leave a legacy for my kids and grand kids like your Dad did.....
God Bless, Meg

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

So happy that I got to read this post about your Dad. What a great tribute and your sweet for sharing it.
Stop by soon and enter my giveaway
Maggie

Angela said...

What an absolutely precious post about your Daddy..SIGH...I LOVED this....

Another one that LOVES angels too..My dining room is COVERED in angels also...this post was just a delight to read and the pictures so lovely.

Mermaids of the Lake said...

Debbie, beautiful pinks and such a sweet post about your father. Happy late Pink Saturday!

NanE said...

Debbie thank you for sharing this beautiful post and for pointing me in it's direction. YES, our Daddies sounded a lot alike! My Daddy couldn't wait to decorate for Christmas, play Christmas Music and make all the Christmas goodies. He was a kind and gentle soul and like your Dad, drove us everywhere. Thanks for sharing, Nan

Robin said...

Thank you my friend for posting your favorite post of 2010...I see why. How precious your dad is. I'm so sorry he's not with you in person but I love that you continue his legacy...
My mom left us 6 years ago tomorrow. It's profoundly important to me that I feel she's with me still...hugs
xo
Robin
All Things Heart and Home

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