Conversations With a Bobwhite

~ rabbitpatchdiary.com

Dear Daddy,
It is March, your birthday month.  I think of you everyday, and most especially now.  We all still shed tears when remembering the times that you were here, with us.  Mama tends your grave, with loving care.  Delores makes quilts out of the shirts you left.  Connie takes tools to Mamas’ house, for she is the  most qualified, for that place.  Know that she keeps the house in good order.   I tell our stories and plant flowers. 
If I ever find the place to plant trees, I will, for I remember how you loved trees.  Oh! peach trees are starting to bloom-and as always, we are expecting bitter cold weather today.  Like clockwork, the wind roars these days.  I remember the kites you made.  They could soar . Over the fields they went til they were just tiny as sparrow,. to the eyes. I suspect, that few fathers come home from work and fly kites with their children, til supper. 
You would have loved what I saw a few weeks ago.  There were four bluebirds at a bird feeder at your former home.  They were in quite a ruckus.  How darling they looked with their bright blue feathers filling the space like confetti.  I am glad that you taught me to love birds.  I will never hear a bobwhite, that I do not remember us sitting outside on warm evenings , having conversations with a bobwhite.   . . and then looking for the first star.  How peacefully, I grew up.  I still look for the first star. 
Some days, I listen to the same music you loved, when you were here.  Many days, I just can’t.  Sometimes, it is just too hard . . . to remember. 
Even remembering the seasons when we were at odds, pains me.  You were such a strict parent, and it aggravated me, during my teenage years. I didn’t dare argue with you, for somehow, you had convinced me that you knew more than I did.  Some way, you made me think, that it was an awful sin, to be disrespectful.  Somehow, you made me be (mostly) obedient.  It seemed to me, that no matter how much I sulked and distanced myself . . you were always there.   Today, I know it was your love  that was always abiding, whether I liked it or not. 
Since, you left, much has happened. . .and in such a short while, really.  “Our way”  of life is disappearing with every minute that passes.  I suppose each generation regrets losing something beautiful.  The things, that one generation calls valuable-even precious-may not be deemed so, by the next.  I am thankful, that the gifts you bestowed on your children, were not the “temporary sort” .   . . and so they remain.  Having good parents is a gift in itself.
Neither you nor Mama  were ever afraid to enforce rules, or responsibility.  In fact you seemed to be on a mission.  You already loved us, but it was important to you to make us all lovable to others.   I often say that I knew everything, before, I went to school, about how to behave properly.
  No matter how gallant your efforts were, not every lesson “took’ with me.  When I fumbled and stumbled, you always said the same thing . .”You knew better!”  Oh, how I hated that. But, you were right.  I did know better, for you had drilled “better”  in my heart and soul with diligence.  I still tell myself that now, when I am tempted to act otherwise. 
There is another thing, to mention, which I am grateful for. . .the way you loved Mama.  I could write a book, on your fatherhood, but you were also a good husband-and I do not take that lightly.  You and Mama were a steadfast union-and that made a difference then-and now.  You both worked hard, you at a job, and Mama at home.  How valuable that proved to be.  We really had the best of everything, as children.
  It is no wonder, that you are missed by all of us.   Thank Goodness, that you did not leave us “empty handed”.   . .but instead, laden with self esteem, accountability, perseverance, sensibility and gratitude.  Because of you, I have seen nobility . . . so I know what it looks like.  As it turns out, . . I really do “know better.”

28 thoughts on “Conversations With a Bobwhite”

  1. I loved this story. Your dad has the same spot in your heart that my sister and I have for our dad (deceased 1981). He was a wonderful man, the ‘old school’ type and, like yours, missed every day. Thanks for writing this one. Have a great day!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  3. This is why I love you so. You care and you remember.. the little things that make big things. I’m sure you are keeping “these” remembering thoughts for the future. Yes….You know you should get the book going.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. What a wonderful way to remember your father. Thank you for sharing your memories with all of us. I was not blessed with a father like yours, but I had a wonderful Christian mother to guide me and my sublings.

    Like

    Reply

  7. Michele, I just love you and your heart. This tribute to your Daddy made me cry. I feel so blessed to have had a similar upbringing. Life, as crazy as it seems right now, feels so “peaceful” when reminiscing of the times gone by that will no longer be; yet, shape us today and continue to help us grow through all the changes. Happy heavenly birthday to your Daddy. Love and hugs, Karla 🤍🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. The one thing children should take from their parents is … they are who they are, because of, not in spite of their parents, I am every generation that has gone before me, they have shaped my character, my beliefs and my sense of self, it is only as an adult that I know this – which I suppose is how it ought to be. My thoughts are with you as you remember a life passed xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Dearest Rabbit:

    I’m sorry I’ve neglected you for a while. It’s good to catch up with your posts, your life and family. Your post to your father is humbling, and I can only hope my children will hold me in such high regard when I am gone. I strive for this tirelessly.
    My prayer as always is that peace watches over the little Plum House on Bonnet Street, and all the other rabbits of the warren in their own cozy dens.
    Loving and warm recollections of one’s parents are exactly the kind of things to cleave to on our own paths to peace.

    Blessings to you, dear friend.

    Scott

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Scott, I am always behind on comments these days. Thank you for your always kind words. I believe your children will always cherish their wonderful father. Thank you for the prayers. That means everything to me. x

      Like

      Reply

  15. Michele, sending lots of love your way! My Papa & Mama also loved birds — and I saw a bluebird today coming home from Easter lunch, always an occasion to remember them! Big hugs! Virginia

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

I love comments

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.