I had a close relationship with my
father. An only child, he encouraged me
to be adventurous, to explore. Not realizing it at the time, his words “March
to your own drum” gave me confidence and taught me to listen to my inner voice.
The year I was pregnant with our only
child, my parents moved to California from Iowa. We kept in touch by phone, but rarely saw
each other. Four years later they decided to come back home for Christmas. Elated, I started
planning festivities and making special gifts.
Mother was easy, Father challenging. I reflected on his mantra and decided to immortalize
it by transforming it into a cross-stitch pillow. I painstakingly, lovingly, stitched the
words “When you are troubled and don’t
know where to go, talk to your heart – Listen with your soul.”
He died a few weeks before
Thanksgiving that year. I never had the
opportunity to give my gift to him, to see his eyes light up. I know he would have fought to hide his
tears. I missed the chance to tell him
how grateful I was, how much his words have guided me time and time again. His gift is burned into my heart and soul. It is eternal and enduring.
Thank you, Daddy.
Please visit Super Mom - No Cape!'s blog to see what others have created as part of the Vintage Embroidery and Stitchery Link Party.
That is a lovely gift. I too didn't get the chance to give my mom a quilt I was making for her before she died. I also just lost my dad a couple of months ago. This is a very touching post for me. Thanks. I'm sure the pillow brings you sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteThat is so beautiful and I am sorry you didn't have the chance to give the pillow to your father but I am sure he has seen it! :) x
ReplyDeleteVery moving story. It's a lovely pillow and great keepsake.
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful! You're father would have loved such a special gift.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely and touching!
ReplyDeleteOh Kim! What a lovely post. What a special gift. I am so very glad you had this special relationship with your father. Something to cherish for sure.
ReplyDeleteLovely story.
ReplyDeleteHow sad - I bet he knew you appreciated him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sentiment. Your gift would have definitely been appreciated.
ReplyDeleteOh Kim you made me cry , how sweet those words , but I know your father will read these words
ReplyDeletemany times when he comes to look over you.
Thank you for sharing this story. I'm sure your father knew how much you loved him and appreciated his wisdom, and how lovely for you to have his words on display.
ReplyDeleteSuch a touching gift full of love and thoughts of your father. (((Hugs)))
ReplyDeleteHi Kim such a touching story ,he would've loved your gift,it's stunning,sending big hugs xx
ReplyDeleteHow sad, I have tears in my eyes now. Such a lovely memorial piece for you to treasure though, and I'm sure your Dad see's it each time he comes in for a quick visit.
ReplyDeleteTouching story, close to your heart. The little pillow is beautifully made :)
ReplyDeleteThat is such a sweet story. Beautiful stitching, too! And now you'll always have something to remember him by
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry for your loss. I hope your memories of him, and your absolutely lovely pillow with his insightful words, provide comfort to you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely remembrance to have of your father - so special, Kim.
ReplyDeleteSo very beautiful...a wonderful tribute to your Dad!
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching story! I'm sure your father knew what was in your heart even though you weren't able to give him the gift you so loving stitched.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up to last week's Stitchery Link Party and for sharing this heart-felt post with everyone!
Such a beautiful story and a shame you did not get chance to give him the gift.
ReplyDeleteI will remember these beautiful words!