Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Dad

Maria writes:
What is a tree . . . simple yet complex . . . branches & leaves . . . over and over.

Yesterday Rick planted a tree given to him by my brothers and sisters to commemorate the passing of his dad.


Much like this tree, Dick was simple and complex, elegant and beautiful, giving and supportive. He gave Rick his roots and support, his strength and wisdom.

Rick adds:
My dad was 97. Vibrant and healthy, he was walking a couple miles a day until three weeks ago. Outgoing and conversational, he remained sharp and engaged until a few minutes before he left.

He was a grateful man with a gentle elegance. In his gratitude, he received the blessings of many friends, a grateful son and a loving family.



Click images for larger view.

22 comments:

  1. What a beautiful remembrance... a tree and a tangle. That you have shared with us your gratitude, we too, are grateful for Dick's life and his gifts to our world. Each of us reaches much farther than we often realize. Thank you for sharing and our hearts are with you and your family.

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  2. To echo Carole, a beautiful rememberance. Thank you for sharing. You are your family are in our hearts and prayers.

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  3. My condolences on the passing of your father.

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  4. Rick - Warm thoughts and prayers are being kept for you and your family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.

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  5. Rick - So sorry to hear of your father's passing. I trust fully that your family and friends will help you through this transition. I also trust that your faith will help heal the loss. Sounds like a wonderful dad and I can sense that the apple doesn't fall far from this tree!

    Warm blessings,
    Christine

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  6. Sending hugs to you and Rick. So sorry to hear of his father's passing. What a precious remembrance on your website.

    much love,
    Heather

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  7. Whispering Aloha to your dad ~ to you ~ and to your family. We blew a conch on the beach and two frigate birds flew towards the west.

    Aloha,
    Lois(and Earl)

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  8. Hugs and warm thoughts from Texas heading your way. A truly wonderous way of remembrance.

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  9. My condolences for your loss. Thank you for sharing a little about your Dad with us. The tree and the Zentangle are representative of your words-thoughtful and gracious.
    Best regards
    Bette

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  10. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family Rick and Maria. It is wonderful to have such warm and loving memories of your father to carry you on. Hugs Jane

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  11. Thank you everyone for your comments.

    @ Christine
    It was a miniature apple tree that we planted!

    @ Lois
    Speaking of birds, when I went to collect my thoughts for what to say at his ceremony, I sat by this pond where he grew up and later we kept a small rowboat. As soon as I sat down, nine white swan and one Canada goose swam by in stately procession.

    - Rick

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  12. My sympathies to you and your family during this time. Your thoughts shared and tangle are beautiful.

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  13. So much love..I'm deeply touched!
    Thank you for sharing..
    May the Blessings Be!

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  14. Dear Rick and Maria, I am sending hugs across the ocean, you have created a very special zentangle for a very special person.
    With love
    Michele

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  15. what a remarkable life, to live so many decades, and to be so active & aware until the end. Cherish those healthy genes in your family! I look forward to seeing your memorial tree at the October's CZT ,
    Holly Hudson

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  16. Blessings to you both, and thank you for sharing aboutyour father.

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  17. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Thank you for sharing the beautiful words and tangle in memory of your Dad. He will live on forever in your hearts and memories.

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  18. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I can tell that he was much loved and you are much loved. It takes a special kind of father to raise a remarkable son. Cherish the good memories. Thanks for sharing with us, your Zentangle family.

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  19. Rick, It must be wonderful to have had such a treasured loved one as your dad was for so many years. Yet losing him I imagine is hard and much too soon. You, his truly extraordinary son, are a great tribute to him.

    Barbara Allen

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  20. Blessings for you both and your family.
    It´s a beautiful tangle created for a wonderful person.

    Stephanie

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  21. This is late, but Rick, my Condolsence goes out to the lost of your Dad. Sounds like he was an awesome parent. Love hearing about really cool parents. I lost my Step Dad 6 years ago and the Holidays are not quite the same, but at least you still have the rest of your loved one around you.

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