
Today is starting off as a great day. My dad, who passed away a bit over a year ago, came to me again in my dreams.
He first appeared in my dreams about 3 weeks ago. I don’t remember a lot about the first time since I dream multiple dreams every single night and usually just forget about my dreams the next morning. But his appearance was nice. Very nice. We didn’t talk, but he was just there, and just like in life, we didn’t need to talk to communicate. I wasn’t thinking about him when I went to sleep, he just appeared.
Then late last week he appeared again in a dream. This time we were at the OKC Zoo and I was running trying to keep up with him in his powered wheelchair. We still didn’t get to talk, at least that I remember, but I could clearly see him racing around in his “buggy” while I struggled to keep up.
Last night we talked.
I don’t remember what we talked about. Probably just small talk, which we often did. I can clearly remember what my dad was wearing and how he looked. We were at an old style country barber shop. He was in his wheelchair – buggy as he liked to call it – and was dressed in his overalls, a gingham checked shirt he really liked, and close cropped silver hair. Dad looked very healthy, like he did before he became sick.
Dad and I never needed to solve the world’s problems when we talked. Instead we just talked about old tractors or airplanes or horses or trucks – whatever came to mind. He never was one to talk bad about others either – he always tried to find the good in people. (Although he wasn’t above talking bad about Chevy or Dodge trucks. He was a FORD man!) If I ever complained about someone, he would try to get me to look at the good side of the person – not defend them or take their side, but he just wasn’t one to “pile on” with negativity about anyone. I wish I could remember what we talked about last night, but I was just happy to sit with him, nice and relaxed, and talk about nothing important.
I awoke in bed at 3:31 am and felt a calm settle over me. I could hear Kay’s quiet breathing as she slept in the bed next to me. I realized what I had just dreamed and shed a few tears as I felt overwhelmed with happiness. I relaxed and enjoyed the moment, knowing my dad is with me and I am at peace.
Love you dad. Hope I get to see you again soon.
Hi James, what a touching image and touching experience. It resonates my own kind of feelings, having lost my dad this spring. One image I have been working on is this portrait: http://rlfsoso.tumblr.com/post/129654741376/this-is-what-i-did-today-in-three-hours . I enjoy looking at your blog! Rolf
Glad the story hit home. Clicked over to the picture of your dad. Very nice. I never did much analog printing. I have shot a lot of film but always just scanned and printed. Nice job.