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.).
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