Tuesday, December 12, 2006

I remember....

You know how Dad's just seem to know everything? Even when you're a grown woman and have spread your wings, Dad's just always seem to be the one to have all the right answers.

My brother and I used to jokingly call Dad "The Answer Grape" which was a character from a TV commercial who knew everything just like my dad! Even when Dad really didn't have a clue, he was the master of making up completely plausible answers so you never doubted the veracity of his stories. And he could never admit he just didn't know!

About twelve years ago we had some relatives visiting so we all took a trip down to Miami to visit Metro Zoo.

Metro Zoo, prior to being destroyed by Hurricane Andrew, was a "cageless" zoo...the animals lived on little islands of "natural habitat" surrounded by moats so you could really get close to the animals without having big steel bars in the way.

We walked around, taking in all the exotic sights - the white tigers being exceptionally beautiful to see.

Finally we came to the bird exhibit....imagine an enormous microforest (this was enclosed by an even more enormous net so the birds could fly freely) with all manner of rare birds flying from tree to tree.

As I walked around I stopped behind a man who was pointing to a large green fruit hanging from one of the trees. The fruit was dark green with a surface like a porcupine - covered in green spikes.

The man was pointing to the fruit as his wife gazed raptly....I leaned a bit closer and over heard the man say "yes, it's true...those green things are the nests of a very rare bird! The bird hollows out the fruit and lays her eggs in there so the nest is camouflaged and when the babies are born they can eat the fruit!" The wife was fascinated and replied, "wow! How interesting, who told you that?" The man turned and said "that guy told me!" and of course he was pointing to my Dad - who turned to look back at us with an impish grin....The Answer Grape had struck again!

Tonight the man with all the answers and the finest man I will ever know has left this life and my only consolation is that I am lucky enough to be his daughter.



Thanks for all your prayers and support, it means so much.

81 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh no Debi, I'm so sorry. My condolences are with you, your mom and brother, and the rest of the family.

I know it might not seem like it now, but I agree with what Ann said above. I lost my dad 17 years ago, and I still feel like he's with me today.

alltangledup said...

oh Debi, I am so sorry for your lost. my thoughts and prayers are with you and no doubt such a wonderful man will be missed by all

Anonymous said...

Debi I am so very , very sorry for your loss. Dad's have such a special place in a daughter's heart. If you need an ear to bend or a metaphorical shoulder to cry on, don't hesitate I am only a click away

Catherine said...

Oh Debi, I'm so sorry.

Carole Knits said...

Debi, I am very sorry for your loss. I've walked in your shoes recently and it's not an easy road. I'll be thinking about you and you know, if there's ANYthing I can do, I'm here for you.
I remember how comforted I felt by all the comments and love I got from my blog readers when my dad died. I hope you feel that same comfort and love right now.

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to you and your family, Debi. I'm so very sorry for you loss. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Bets said...

What a wonderful story, heartfelt sympathy and condolences here Debi.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Deb, I am so very sorry to read of your loss.
Please accept my condolences.
Take care.

xxx

Mary B said...

I'm so sorry dear. Take care of yourself.

Monika said...

My heartfelt sympathy and condolences.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Alison said...

I am so sorry, Debi. My thoughts are with you.

Liz said...

What a beautiful memory to share with us Debi.

I am truly sorry for your loss. Please know that I think of you every day and will continue to do so.

{{{hugs}}}

Suzanne said...

I am so so sorry. So sorry.

Carol said...

Oh Dearest Debi-my heart and soul are with you. May you find a small bit of comfort that he didn't suffer a long illness. I will always remember your Metro Zoo story and think of a wonderful man who is loved by his family. My condolences to all of you at this difficult time.

Debbie G. said...

De-lurking to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I am so very sorry for your loss.

{{hugs}} from another Florida Debbie.

Anonymous said...

Debi, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful, wonderful man. You are very blessed to be left with such special memories of him. Thank you for sharing one with us.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care of yourself.

Anonymous said...

De-lurking to send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful memory with us.

Peace be with you.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing the "Answer Grape" with us. I thank God for his life and his sense of humor. God bless you all.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Deb, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. Hang in there.

Siercia said...

Oh, Debi, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad must have been a wonderful man.

AmyP said...

I can give you no words of comfort or support I'm afraid. {{{Deb}}}

Anonymous said...

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I wish I could give you a hug.

Anonymous said...

Debi,

I am so very sorry about your dad. I know he meant the world to you. I'm so sorry for your loss but so greatfull that you had such a tremendous father. He sounds like a truly wonderful man. I know he will be dearly missed.

Many hugs and prayers

Dorothy said...

Debi, I am so very sorry. How wonderful that you have such fond memories of your father. I hope those memories will carry you through the coming days. Please know that you have lots of friends out here in blogland, who have never met you, but still carry you in their prayers. God bless you and your family.
dswaite@mac.com

Anonymous said...

I don't know what your beliefs are but I had a sudden vision after reading your post of your Dad telling God why platypus look like they do!
I'm very sorry about your family's loss and will keep all of you in my prayers.

Nana Sadie said...

May his spirit fly as free as those birds in their natural habitat...you and your family are in my prayers!
(((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Debi - I'm so sorry to read your Dad passed on. But can you imagine him up in Heaven, continuing to be the Answer Grape? What fun for the Angels.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your wonderful dad. He obviously was a special person and I know he'll be watching over you and your family for always.

Anonymous said...

Your family is in my prayers - your dad sounds like a wonderful man. Lydia

Jes said...

Oh Deb, I'm so sorry. Your family is in my thoughts. If you need anything let me know.

Anonymous said...

Debi, my heart is with you. I'm so sorry.
I know how close you are to your parents, this must be so difficult.

Anonymous said...

Debi,

I'm so sorry to hear this. That's a great story about the nest. I hope that the memories like that one that make you smile can help carry you through this difficult time.

Susanne said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

My heart and my prayers go out to you and your brother and mother. I am so sorry for your loss.

Angie said...

Oh, Debi, I'm so sorry, my condolences to you and your family. Hugs from Illinois.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story about your dad, the story of the bird reminds me of something my dad would do.

I'm so sorry for your loss, you were truly blessed as a daughter to have such a wonderful man in you life.

I hope you find some peace in your time of grief.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry.

Sending thoughts of love and peace to you and yours.

Cathy said...

Oh Debi, from one "Daddy's Girl to another" my heart is breaking for you - and your mom. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful story - he sounds and looks like a truly kind and gentle man, who must have been incredibly pround of his very kind daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you -- I truly wish I could give you a real life hug.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to your dad.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry and want to simply say that my thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

Debi I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Losing a parent is always difficult but espacially when it is sudden. I am sending hugs to you, your mom, brother as well as your extended family and friends. Your dad sounds like a wonderful guy and the world was a better place because he was in it. We love you!

Anonymous said...

I am so very, very sorry, Deb. Holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Bretton said...

Deb, I am sorrier than I can say. I lost my father five years ago and know how deep the pain runs. But believe me when I say he'll always be with you and now, through your words, with us too.

Anonymous said...

Deb, I'm so sorry. I fear I am facing this soon too, as my Dad increases in age (although I've always held he'd outlast all 8 of us!).

My relationship with my Dad has been rocky at times, and I never felt he thought I was good enough, but we're working on that now, and I think I will feel as you do when he goes.

Your Dad sounds like a great man -- I'm glad to know him through your words.

God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow, and for the future.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Deb...

Katy said...

I'm so very, very sorry.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief, Debi. It is very difficult to loose our parents and you have a roller coaster year ahead. Hugs to you.

Terri said...

Debi,

I am sorry for your loss, and I will keep you, and your family in my prayers. I lost my dad two years ago, and I still miss him. If you need a friendly ear, don't hesitate to write.

Warmest condolences,
Terri

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. you wrot such a beautiful tribute to your dad.

La Cabeza Grande said...

Such a touching tribute to your Dad. It speaks well of his life, which I'm sure he lived to the fullest.

I'm so very sorry, hunny.

xoxo Karen

Sharlene said...

I am so sorry Deb. Please know that you and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time. Much love and many hugs...

Confessions of a Knitting Diva said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Words just cannot express my sorrow for you. Hugs.

Valerie Polichar said...

Well.. that sucks! Take care and thanks for sharing your lovely memories. Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Debi. I send you my deepest condolences and lots of love. Now he gets to tell his stories to a whole new audience. You will remember and smile over the ones he shared with you for years.

Unknown said...

I am so absolutely sorry. I don't think we're ever "old enough" to lose our parents. My heart is with you.

Anonymous said...

Very sorry, Deb. This is one of those times that changes your life forever, and there is little anyone can do to help. Cherish your memories, be grateful for the many years you had together, and cry when you feel like it.

Anonymous said...

Debi

What a wonderful story to tell about your dad.

My best to you.

Bonne Marie said...

Oh my Debi! My heart is so broken for you - just wanted to send you some more hugs...

When you sent that picture to me awhile back, it meant so much! To see your beautiful Mom & Dad, so proud, happy (tickled!) wearing something from YOU - made especially for them - was very, very special for me.

Thank you for sharing that with me, with us, Debi. We are all with you in this very hard time...

Pam! said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Debi. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.

Erica said...

Deb, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Sounds like he was a great guy, and it's obvious you really loved him. Here's a cyberhug coming your way...

WandaWoman said...

Ahh, sweetie, I'm so sorry to hear this. Oh, this just breaks my heart for you. He sounds like a wonderful man who I know you and all of your family is sad to see go. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

De-lurking here - obviously, you inherited your dad's story-telling skill. What a lovely memory to share with all of us. I'm so sorry for your loss - may you find peace during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for you loss, Deb! He lives on in your heart and your story telling skills you share with us all here!

Diane said...

Very sorry for your loss. May your father live on through your stories and heart.

Anonymous said...

Debi,

I'm so sorry. Thank you for the wonderful story about your dad. He lives in you. That you for sharing with us.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Debi. May your memories of your father keep you company forever.

Anonymous said...

Your story has really touched me-I'm so sorry. Hugs!!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. I lost my Dad 3 years ago (this January). I still miss him.

Anonymous said...

Oh Debi, so very sorry to hear of you father's passing. Those of us girls that have lost our fathers understand. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Oh honey, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I'm sending you a hug and I'm praying for you and your family at this time of year.

Anonymous said...

Please accept my sympathy and prayers for you and your family at this time. I know it is difficult to go on - it is life and it cannot be avoided. Please understand that I wish happiness and peace for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Please accept my sympathy and prayers for you and your family at this time. I know it is difficult to go on - it is life and it cannot be avoided. Please understand that I wish happiness and peace for you and your family.

Lorette said...

Debi, I'm so very sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Debi, I have not been blog reading so regularly and just found out this sad news. I'm so sorry to hear that your dad passed. I know how close you are to both of your parents from reading your blog, and how difficult this holiday season will be for you. You are all in my prayers.

Tammy said...

Deb--prayers and hugs for you as you go through this. Dad's are very special!!

OldCinderella said...

I am sorry for your loss, and I will keep you, and your family in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Catching up late, but I wanted to say that I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Debi, Sorry for your loss. I know how sad you must be. It sounds like you have some wonderful memories to cherish. Donna S.

Jessica said...

I am so very sorry. Please take good care of yourself.

jenknits said...

Deb, I am so sorry to hear of your loss during this season. I hope your father's passing was quick and pain free. It is nice to see that you are remembering the good times you shared with him. He sounds like a very special man. Virtual hugs,
Jen