FATHERS: TIME WITH NO RHYME

FATHERS: TIME WITH NO RHYME

young widow knocked down—not out

I nearly an adult the season Bill asked permission

to marry Mother—I felt oh-so powerful hesitating

answer a sincere “Yes. You’re good to each other.”

loving second marriage—hearts reclaimed

birthday celebration—quarter of a century marker motto “Don’t trust anyone over 30” generation gap no need for x-ray-vision—ritzy wrapping big surprises can come in small packages
impatient with dawdling—Mom coaxed “Rip it open!”
together they had designed a perfect party present
black velvet box concealed gold heart brooch decorated—Dad’s Greyhound safety awards
jewels—rubies, diamonds, sapphires, pearls accident-free years driving weathered buses

magical gift—touched heartfelt memories fishing with Dad talking about life—nature’s harmony

fickle fish swiped bait fast as ambush breezes blew off a hat

bobber rippled water tugging fish-line—stormy finesse

reeling battle won—catch wriggled into waiting net

Dad cleverly persuaded me, cleaning dawn’s prized fish

one lesson qualification—crowned official fish-gutter

opening vanity drawer—past symbol glided to front popped emotions—sharp as a Diva ready to perform retired scissors lay in wait—Mom’s beautician resume’ illness forced her to cancel restful salon visits slowly handing me her inactive scissors haltingly announcing “It’s your turn to cut” her hair—shampoo rinsed, squeaky clean chic towel turban dried dewy—snip, snip, snip weeks of conversation and laughter—until handheld Hospice finale—nurse whispered “She looks like an angel, with a halo of curls.”

Bill’s heartbroken move, single room—assisted

living—proudly steering electric red wheelchair to

friendship at the resident barber—exhaustion

Mom’s special scissors ready to work magic

cutting, styling hair—smile showed approval

his daughter wielded treasured haircutting scissors

feet soaked in warm water—manicuring nails

grateful times showing he deserved pampering

small thank you—many years a genuine caring Father

magical gifts—jeweled heart—scissor keepsakes two Fathers and Mom—trio gave unconditional love—reminiscences hold yesterday in my heart

April Ryan, retired Seattle bus driver writes lovingly of her father and her step-father.

SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for and about the 50 plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).

SHARING STORIES is featured on www.northwestprimetime.com, the website for Northwest Prime Time, a monthly publication for baby boomers, seniors, retirees, and those contemplating retirement. The newspaper can be found in the greater Seattle area and other Puget Sound locations. For more information, call 206-824-8600 or visit www.northwestprimetime.com. To find other SHARING STORIES articles on this website type "sharing stories" in the search function above.