Dad's Hands

A recent visit to my dad's after he had been released from the hospital became a most emotional one. I love my dad, daddy as I once upon a time called him. He is and always will be my hero. As I sat on the back deck the morning we were to leave, I became teary-eyed at leaving him and mom behind. I wanted to curl into his lap as I did when I was his "little princess" and snuggle into his love.

I watched his hands and became facinated with them. He has strong hands, hands that lifted me as a child gently onto his lap, wiped tears from my eyes and tickled me into fits of laughter. Hands that also lifted heavy boxes in and out of his truck for the company he worked for during his forty some years of loyal employment. These hands twirled thumbs around and around as he spoke, reminding me of his mother, my precious grandmother who had done the same.

His loving hands not only worked to support his family, but they nurtured gardens, picked up small children and waved in the air as he spoke to make a point. They are strong, honest hands, hands you can trust for looking at them you know he is a hard working man of God.

As I stared, I found the tears hard to swallow and I told him in a shaky voice I didn't want to leave this day, but wished I could stay with him for awhile. I cried crock tears as I spoke my words of love and leaned in for a hug. His big hands enveloped his not so little girl and patted my back as he whispered his own endearments in my ear, words that will forever be engraved in the bed of my mind.

Wiping the tears from my eyes, I leaned back into my chair and became entranced with his hands once again placed on his lap while fingers twirled, and twirled in place. Family resemblance I thought to myself, from grandma to dad and possibly one day I shall find my own hands repeating the pattern of twirling thumbs.

I shall always be my daddies little girl and he will remain my hero.

I love you Daddy!

Teresa Gale

Just a Single Moment

A Single Moment captured by my lens.

Photographs and Memories

Memories how sweet they can be. Memories have a way of touching places in your heart and tugging at you. It can be a good memory or sad, still the emotions will often trickle out and surprise us.

My brother Mike, recently played with his new hand wand scanner and sent me a email box full of old photographs. Some made me smile, some caused me to miss someone while others had me giggling. I loved each one as I viewed them and saved them to my computer.

I am sharing one today. I cannot remember exactly how old we were, the three of us. I am the oldest, so we won't need to discuss this anymore. My brother Dan at the far left corner two years younger than I, my little brother Mike four years under me is sandwiched between us.

Although I am not sure who took this photo, I do remember we were at a sitter's, perhaps she did. I can recall how sad I felt. I did not like being in her home and forced outside into the hot weather. I can still recall the steam rising off the sidewalk and how still the air around us was. The memory of how close we three were is still within my heart. Seeing this photo made me miss them both. We would often huddle together when scared, or bored.

I am flooded with memories today of my two younger brothers. Dan is no longer with us and it leaves such a hole in my heart. I wonder at what kind of man he would have become. Mike although my younger brother, is also my best friend. I confide in him and depend on him. He teases me in a way only a younger brother can, but treats me with respect. We each have learned a lot since that hot summer day, we have grown in ways I would never imagined.

As I sit looking at that shy girl in this photo, I hardly recall her. She is different than the me of now. That's a good thing. My little brother has become like my big brother. I will hold on to this memory of that particular day and how close we were.

The snap shot of our past is a peek into the window of our future.

Blessings,

Teresa Gale

Absence Makes the Heart What?

Where have I been? What has kept me so silent? Not much, just a very busy life. I stepped in the door here and had not realized that April was my last post. May was water swept away with all the rain and now June is upon us.

I can bet you I am not the only one with a very busy life to lead, but it seems the older I get, the more my calendar is filling up.

School is out, as of today for some of us, which leaves the mess of finding ways to occupy the children. Two grandchildren live with us and I know mom is busy making up a Chore Calendar for the rugrats. I can only pray and hope and wish upon a star that the kids follow it somewhat. One can dream right?

We are busy planning our vacation and looking forward to getting away for a week in a cabin. Water calls, fish bite and lazy afternoons on a boat are really needed for our family.

Well, duty calls once again and I must run. Be back sooner....I promise, pinky swear.

Blessings,

Teresa

April Fools

 I took this photo less than a week ago, a sign of Spring. Budding trees mean winter's end is near. At least that is what we thought. We should have remembered however where we live, for Northern Ohio is never still, always changing and winter refuses to usher out quietly.

Snow fell gracefully just two days ago and winter's white veil covered the ground. Amidst the groans of all us weary of snow, I found the snow quiet lovely. Stepping out in the wee hours of morning with our dogs, I stook in the stillness of the snowfall and watched the white lace the trees in a heavy coat. You could almost hear the snow as it fell on the limbs rustling branches. The dogs frolicked, rolled and ran in the white stuff, enjoying the wetness under their feet. It brought a blessing to my heart as I realized life is much like this snowfall, constantly changing, constantly alternating between still moments in time and the bustle of life.

This morning, April 1, I am embrace all changes, past and present. I give thanks to God for moments of early mornings, of nature and all things He brings to me in life. I count my blessings one by one and realize a little winter white weather will not hold me back, it will wash away all the debris. I will continue to stand in awe of all God brings to us.

Teresa Gale

Just A Single Moment - Mr. Potato Head

Just A Single Moment

Birth Day