July 3, 2009

Happy Belated Father's Day

My dad died when I was seven years old. I don't remember a ton of stuff about him. Most of my "memories" are borrowed from my older siblings. I know that he was a very good man. He was very kind and very giving of his time. He was also very funny. He had a very good sense of humor-- something he passed down to his children. (Dillinghams are friggin' hysterical!)

When I was at Ricks College I was in an English class where I had an assignment to write a couple of poems. I will be forever grateful for that assignment. Without it, I'm sure these memories would have been lost...

Saturday Mornings

As the Sun peaks through my window,
I wake from another night's rest--
Anxious and excited.
It's Saturday-- the day Daddy is home.

I throw the covers from me,
Tip-toeing to his side, for morning has not yet come for him.
Quietly, gently, I slide in close to him.
He wakes, but is not upset.

Together we lay under the blanket of covers--
His warm hand resting on the small of my back.
While tapping his father-like finger to my nose,
He smiles at me and sings, Sarah. Sarah."

My Chocolate Thumb

Frustrated, upset-- I retire to sulk.
It doesn't matter where,
Just as long as my thumb is there.
Alone, I suck and I sulk.

A few moments pass, and like always, he comes.
What flavor is it this time?
Raspberry? Rum-butter?
I know-- it's rhubarb.

He can wait no longer for my reply.
Gently pulling the comforter from my mouth,
A smile replaces the sullen frown.
He leans down to taste my little thumb.

Chocolate! It tastes like chocolate!
As I forget my reason for anger,
Smile climbs into laughter--
Frustration molds into wonder.

One thing I've been thinking about the past couple of weeks is that although I don't remember much about my dad, I remember my feelings for him. I remember how much I loved him. I remember knowing that he loved me. I remember how very sad I was when he died. I remember clinging on to the promise (and I still do) that because he and my mom were sealed in the temple we were (and are) an eternal family. I can still feel him in my life and in the lives of my children. I can't wait to see him again!

4 comments:

Higleys said...

Very Beautiful. And Yes Dillinghams are Friggin funny

MaryBeth said...

Dammit Sarah, you made me cry. Hells bells.

Dad was also a cusser...I blame him for my sailor mouth issues.

Maren Hansen said...

Well if you're any kind of example of Dillingham funniness, then they are definitely friggin' funny...

anna said...

Oh shoot, I shouldn't have read this at work. I hate crying at work. Very beautiful Sarah.