05 October 2009

happy birthday dad


He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
- Harmon Killebrew

happy birthday to my dad, the one who has played the role of heroic figure my entire life and continues to do so. i am so thankful for who he is, what he stands for and the things he has taught me along the way. although he has never said it pointedly (he is way too classy to do such a thing), my dad taught me that it's nice to be important but more important to be nice. he may be the very nicest guy i know (and according to me, my dad is very important in the lives of many). it is a true honor to be his daughter.

i recently had the startling opportunity to contemplate just how much he means to me. (not that that is something you can possibly measure. for when you love someone completely and wholly, like your own father, there are just brief moments in life wherein you get a glimpse of the immenseness of their influence on you.) you see, last week on a very rainy and gloomy morning, my dad suffered from a heart attack. my first thoughts when i heard this was, no.. no.. not dad. not now. not ever. i will refrain from discussing my panicky, worried, heartbreakingly helpless state i was in from thereon out. if you've ever heard really frightening news about someone you really love, then you understand. it's the worst feeling in the world. all you can do is kneel down and pray. my mom was strong and calm and collected and kindly kept those of us who live far away up to date. my parents have always been the perfect pair. thankfully, my dad is back at home, recovering and back to his ol' self again. we are rejoicing. surely he is enjoying his day with a suitable celebration. my heart is happy that his is healing.

love you, dad.
see you soon.

• on a side note •

the day my dad had his heart attack and i was pacing my house (suddenly cleaning furiously), i received some really sweet comments in my inbox. all from strangers who read this blog (
not that they could've known what i was experiencing). each one brightened my day and made me feel sunshine in the waiting hours of grayness. it opened my eyes to the power in the friendships made in this space and the declarations of kindness to one another via the comment box. thank you, thank you.

11 comments:

J, K, L, and D said...

I'm glad your dad is on the mend - I know how scary that can be!

Thank you for your blog - your musings, art, photographs & more. I find inspiration from your creativity & optimism in your positive attitude. The blogosphere is a wondrous thing.

So thanks...to you!

Eliza said...

It really is a frightening thing... I remember that helpless feeling the first time my dad had a heart attack. I'm sooo glad to hear he's on the mend. He will definitely be in my prayers, Marta. :D

Jake said...

This is such a happy day!! Hooray for a healing heart. (Did you notice the heart theme in G. Conf. this year?) Very appropriate~!

ALFIE said...

from one girl who loves her daddy, to another--- i hope your dad has a fabulous birthday. and i pray for his continued healing!!

aren't dad's just the greatest?

Hannah said...

so sorry to hear about your dad's heart attack. they are so scary! glad to know he is healing and doing better!

Cassie said...

Glad to hear your special father is on the mend Marta and you can rest easy. Happy Birthday to him. Unfortunately I have missed too many birthdays with mine as he died 24 yrs ago but I still remember him every birthday and the magical moments we shared.
Take care xx

Bluebelle said...

That's very scary, glad he's getting better. Hope he had a good birthday.

Kayla said...

Sorry to hear, I'm glad he's doing better. (: Wish him a Happy Birthday for me.

Kayla

caitlin said...

Marta,

A Greek poet once said, "Noble fathers have noble children."

It sounds like you and your dad are two peas. Thanks for a beautiful post. I think a lot of us girls could identify with it.

Hope your dad feels better soon.

xo, Caitlin

kh said...

I LOVE LOVE Daddy/Daughter relationships!

hoopty doopty said...

Marta,
Just caught up here. happy to hear your dad is on the mend. I love the new look but then again everything you put your magic touch on truly shines. Love, love the post Dan did. What a man indeed. Always love your writing. Happy Anniversary to you both.
xx

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