"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

JUNE 17 FATHER"S DAY - A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

 Happy Heaven Father's Day Dad



My dad was on the left in the back.  Second oldest.  Three girls two boys.  My grandma didn't look so thrilled, did she?
                                             


My (paternal) grandmother and my two children and me.


My dad when he was probably around 45.


My dad when he was about 70.
He and my mom had divorced, and he remarried Anna.
They moved to California.
I wasn't happy about the divorce, but I did like Anna a lot.
I had two half siblings - that I love.
My real brother, bottom left - Andy - passed away in 1997.
My dad passed away in 2003.

Probably the last visit I saw my dad in California.  
My son, brother, sister, me, daughter, and brother.


Both my mom and my dad died January 30, 2003.  


Odd, that both my parents died the same day within ten minutes of each other.  My dad in California with my sister, and my mom here in Georgia.
Dad around 4pm, mom around 7pm.
It was a shock. I was with my mom when she died and then I got the call my dad had died too.

I'll have to talk to them in Heaven about that.  


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25 comments:

Sandi said...

That is quite a coincidence! They say long-married couples sometimes go together, but your parents? Well, wonders never cease.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Wow, how amazing that they died within minutes of each other. Beautiful family photos. Your father was a handsome man.

Shug said...

I remember you sharing with me that they passed away within just minutes of one another. what a deeply emotional time that must have been for you. Family photos truly become priceless treasures, especially on days that the stir our hearts with memories. Your dad was a handsome man and your brother had the same charm.

Ann said...

That is really something that your mom and dad died so close to each other. What a horrible day that had to have been for you.
Nice seeing all the photos of your dad.

Mari said...

Sweet pictures! So interesting that they both passed so close in time. That had to be a hard day!

MadSnapper n Beau said...

I like to see old family photos, and this is a great way to remember your dad. Shocking that they died so close together and on opposite sides of the country.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Sorry for the loss of your parents. Two together like that would be devastating. You do have some nice memories too, so try to focus on those !

Debby @ My Shasta Home said...

Nice tribute to your Dad. I always enjoy the old family photos, such precious keepsakes. Your dad was a very handsome man - very distinguished. That must have seemed unreal when both your mom and dad passed on the same day.

It reminds me in history that John Adam’s and Thomas Jefferson both passed away on July 4. It’s like they willed themselves to outlast the other. Interesting.

CheerfulMonk said...

That must have been hard. I had enough trouble when each of my parents died, and that was years apart.

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Losing your parents on the same day? I know that had to be so painful for you, Sandie. I did love the photos and your remembrance of your dad on Father's Day. Blessings!

Terri D said...

I can't imagine how hard it must have been to lose both of your folks on the same day. I'm glad neither of them was alone, though. I enjoyed seeing the photos! Thanks for sharing those times with us! xo

Abby said...

Nice photo memories. Happy belated Father's Day.
What an eerie coincidence that your parents died within such a short time of each other!

Mevely317 said...

The loss of your parents on the same day just gave me goosebumps! I don't know if you remember a (former) blogger from Georgia (Words on Wheels) -- Susan Swiderski -- who authored "Hot Flashes and Cold Lemonade." Anyway, that book touched on the same thing ... so powerful it's stuck with me for a long time.

Red Rose Alley said...

I've always thought that was the strangest thing that both your mom and dad died the same day, within a few hours apart. The flowers are pretty on their sites. Your dad was handsome in that picture around 45. That must have been hard for you dealing with the situation, but you made the best of it. I love that photo of your grandma with her five kids. What a treasure that is. Happy Father's Day to your dear dad.....and to mine. I was blessed with a wonderful dad.

~Sheri

Prims By The Water said...

What a coincidence. Your dad was handsome. I had a great uncle and his son pass on the same day. It was a double funeral. Very weird. I can imagine it was very hard for you when your mom and dad divorced. I think in the past folks were told not to smile in pictures. I have seen lots of old photos that were like that. Janice

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my goodness, what a lot of sorrow to handle! Your photos are real treasures. Both Father's Day and Mother's Day is hard for both of us.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Thank you, Sandie, for sharing your story about your parents and family, and your photos. I am praying for you and your whole family. God bless, my friend.

Catherine said...

Oh it must have been difficult for you. How strange they died the same day. I love your family pictures so precious.

acorn hollow said...

How very strange they died the same day!!! You lost your brother early too.
Cathy

photowannabe said...

Whew, after our wild week, I am finally getting around to everyone's blogs.
I love these photos of your family but find it so strange to loose your family the same day.
Thanks for sharing these heartfelt feelings.
(((hugs)))
Sue

Lowcarb team member said...

Thank you for sharing these lovely family photographs.
Losing your parents on the same day ... goodness me.

Thinking of you and sending good wishes.

All the best Jan

photowannabe said...

Awww , thanks Sandi for missing me. I think its going to take a few days for us to recoup and get back to normal... What ever that is...
Sue

Haddock said...

Like the B&W picture (first one) It contains a lot of history.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

All I can say is (((HUGS))) and thank you for sharing.