Home60 RAKsFree PatternsCross StitchNeedlepointPainted PorcelainContact Me

Monday, June 15, 2015

My Father's Gift

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.

21 comments:

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That 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

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very moving story. It's a lovely pillow and great keepsake.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's beautiful! You're father would have loved such a special gift.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh 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.

    ReplyDelete
  6. How sad - I bet he knew you appreciated him.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a beautiful sentiment. Your gift would have definitely been appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh Kim you made me cry , how sweet those words , but I know your father will read these words
    many times when he comes to look over you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such a touching gift full of love and thoughts of your father. (((Hugs)))

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Kim such a touching story ,he would've loved your gift,it's stunning,sending big hugs xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. How 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.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Touching story, close to your heart. The little pillow is beautifully made :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. That is such a sweet story. Beautiful stitching, too! And now you'll always have something to remember him by

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'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.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such a lovely remembrance to have of your father - so special, Kim.

    ReplyDelete
  17. So very beautiful...a wonderful tribute to your Dad!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What 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.

    Thanks so much for linking up to last week's Stitchery Link Party and for sharing this heart-felt post with everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Such a beautiful story and a shame you did not get chance to give him the gift.
    I will remember these beautiful words!

    ReplyDelete