During this time that my Mom has been in rehab and, soon, a nursing home, my Dad and I have talked on the phone several times a day. Mom will never be back in the house she and Dad shared. That this is terribly sad is an understatement. My Dad is heartbroken. So our calls cover everything: the good, the bad, the sad, the heartbreak.
Dad worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company for over 40 years. That probably accounts for the fact that he hates to talk on the phone. If Mom was home and well, these phone calls would not be happening. One nugget of good that has come from all of this is our talks. We’ve come to know each other on a deeper level. I’ve shared things with Dad that normally wouldn’t come up in the course of a one minute “Hi Dad, how are you?” conversation. And he’s done the same with me.
The other day, he told me a box was coming in the mail. Yesterday, it arrived. Packed carefully inside was this:
A beautiful wooden boat with cloth sails. Maybe a schooner? Here’s the story he shared with me. When Mom and Dad retired to their beautiful home in Northern Michigan after living downstate in Dearborn for nearly 40 years, they visited Mackinaw Island. This move ‘up north’ had been a dream of theirs for a long, long time. They had finally done it. When Mom saw this boat, she bought it for my Dad and gave it to him with the words, “There will be only smooth sailing ahead.”
That was 25 or so years ago. Dad gave this to Don and me with the wish that there be only “smooth sailing” ahead for us. I cannot put into words how deeply this touches me.
I really love this little ship. Welcome to Mockingbird Hill Cottage.
Thanks, Dad.
By the way, the whole time I have been taking pictures of the boat, I have been straddling this:
When Riley sprawls, he sprawls. He has yet to get up for the day. Typical boy; he likes to sleep in.
Have a lovely Friday.
What a beautiful ship.
And what a wonderful wish: Smooth sailing. Your post is making me happy.
:-)
Lovely ship and sentiments, Claudia. So sorry to hear about your mum. Sending warm hugs to you from FL.
xoxo
Donna
What a precious gift Claudia! The ship is beautiful too, and looks so lovely in your home, and the sentiment behind it is wonderful. I’m sad to hear about your Mom, but so glad you and your father are having this time to get to know each other better. I’m sure it’s a bittersweet time for you. ♥
Riley steals the show for me, but the ship is lovely as well!
S
xo
What a lovely gift and the memory it will bring to you every time you glance at it.
Illness and aging is so hard and it is wonderful that your talks with your Dad are the bright spot in the storm.
May you carry these talks with you always.
Blessings for a peaceful nesting type of weekend.
Riley really is living the life..no?!
What a wonderful way to wish you smooth sailing, It is beautiful and I know will be treasured x
What a beautiful gift! I am sorry about your mother. It is so hard watching our loved ones age.
My dd has a Boxer named Riley. She is a she tho. :)
Oh Claudia, I am so moved by this gesture on your father’s part. He is trying the best he knows how to show you his love. To help you find “smooth sailing” again. I don’t even know him, but tell him I love him too!
Brenda
OH CLAUDIA, SUCH A HEART WARMING STORY…..YOU CAN FEEL THE LOVE….
YES….CLAUDIA…SMOOTH SAILING TO YOU AND DON…..ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS BY CHRISTOPHER CROSS WAS “SAILING”……..RIZZI
What a lovely sentiment and fantastic gift. I hope the waters are indeed smooth as he wishes.
It makes me happy to know that you are building an even closer relationship with your Dad. It was such a loving gesture of him to send the beautiful boat. I know you will treasure it!
XO,
Jane
So sorry about your mom, but how wonderful to be able to see the gift you and your dad have received.
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Oh Claudia, that is such a sweet gift from your Father’s heart! Since your mom gave it to him, it is really from both of them! I am glad your phone calls have turned out to be a positive outcome from all this! My dad loved to collect sail boats or he made model ones. When my dad passed away both of my boys asked to be able to have one of his ships. I think it represented something to them of their grandfather. ~Hugs, Patti
A beautiful ship, a true gift of the heart! May it bring you consolation every time you look at it, Claudia. May it remind you of your father’s love for you.
When I saw it, it reminded me of my favourite spiritual song called “Be the Centre”. Words and music by Michael Frye. My favourite lines are these: “Be the fire in my heart. Be the wind in my sails. Be the reason that I live. Jesus. Jesus.”
I got the CD out and I will be listening to it probably all day because I need to. I’m going through a bad storm at the moment and I needed to be reminded that He is the wind in my sails, that He guides my ship. Wishing you a lovely day!
What a beautiful post and what a treasure you have that will remind you of your mom and dad every time you see it. A special gift for sure.
Danielle
Ok… got me all misty first thing this am..no fair…was already missing my Dad..must be the season <3
xx
z
That is truly a beauitful gift from your mom and dad. And it was a sign I’m sure of smooth sailing ahead, as it arrived in such pristine shape, all of its delicate masts and lines. I know the heartache of having Mom in a home and it is wonderful you’ve grown closer w/your father.
I love this post. I know just where you are talking about and all about those phone calls. What a gift to be treasured for you and Don. It’s new home is perfect. Gotta love a guy who can sack out anywhere and slept in. Continue to cherish these moments. Kate
I love this post– what a heartwarming story, and incredible gesture. So sweet…
Hugs,
Jill
Lovely post, Claudia.
It’s wonderful you and your Dad are taking the time for these telephone conversations.
love & hugs
Gerry
Claudia, what a wonderful thing your dad did. I find that many times during sad, difficult periods of our lives, we often find a precious nugget of good. Just like your dad’s ship. Ann
Dad is so thoughtful. I am glad you got this beautiful boat and hope it sends you all the luck in the world for smooth sailing in you life.
Mere
Sweetness itself.
What a lovely gift. Your Dad sounds like a sweetheart. How nice you are having this time to get to know each other on a deeper level. It’s precious time — hold it close.
Claudia I am so glad that you and your Dad have each other to talk to. And I wish you all smooth sailing my friend.
Hugs
Leann
What a precious gift to inherit Claudia. I imagine it gave your dad joy to package it up and send to you. I am so sorry about your mom. It is such a hard thing to watch them age and know that our time is limited with them. It is nice that you and your father have a chance to lean on each other at this time.
hugs from me…
Riley reminds me of my husband. He can sleep anywhere at anytime.
Claudia , I have a lump in my throat! What a loving gesture. So happy that you’re closer with your Dad.
Blessings, Joanne
P.S. Your pup reminds me of my Max. He won’t move no matter what! :O)
What a touching gift. I, too, wish you smooth sailing.
So sorry to hear about your mom, Claudia. Every time you look at the ship it will help in your smooth sailing.
Laura
Your parents have had the sweetest marriage and it’s so lovely that he is passing this sweetness along to you, not only in your conversations with him, but with this ship. Love this.
My dad and I have always been close, but he is a man of few words. After my mom passed, we started talking more. I’ve learned so much from him and about him in the past ten years. It has deepened our relationship. I still miss my mom, but I’ve also come to know her even better through my dad’s memories. Very bittersweet.
Hahaha. Cute Riley. :p
Kristin
This is something to treasure for years to come. I am heartsore for your mum and dad, and I pray that there might still be some days of smooth sailing ahead for both of them. Enjoy your special gift. God bless x
Ah, this made me cry. What a sweet gift from your mother to your father, and how thoughtful of him to share this wish with the two of you.
I know this life change must be so difficult. You and your family remain in my prayers.