My Dad

[BeatlesFan]

My Dad passed away last week, aged 89.

As those of you who've lost a parent know, one spends a lot of time after such a loss processing memories, sorting out the meaning of past events, and re-considering the narrative of your life based on the new reality of a world without that parent in it.

I was super fortunate to have had a really nice relationship with my Dad throughout, so he passed after a long life and certainly with no unresolved business between us.

Strangely, however, among my many memories of this fine man are his lifelong habit of shaving with a Gillette DE (mid-50's flair-tip) and simple bar soap. Later, as his skin aged, he took to putting some olive oil on his skin after shaving. That's it. Minimalist. Basic. No frills. But it sure worked for him . . . he was always a perfectly smooth-shaven gent (in the fullest sense of the word "gent").

I also have this great memory, which I have probably already posted sometime or another so forgive me, of his telling me about shaving in the field during WW2. He was one of the thousands of GI's who made the journey from France to Berlin in 1945 ... no cakewalk. He told me that he shaved wherever he made camp, with his upended helmet serving as his shaving bowl (sometimes cold shaving water.) Presumably that's where he picked up the bar soap thing . . . anyhow he never switched to proper shaving soap even after the war.

Only a small fraction of our WW2 vets survive. I honor the passing of the one nearest and dearest to me . . .

[ShadowsDad]

So sorry to hear about your loss. They truly were a great generation.

[GA Russell]

Beatles Fan, my best wishes to you as you grieve.

[Straight Arrow]

Cherish the memories. Your Dad's influence will live on always.

[TheMonk]

Very sorry to hear about your loss. Best wishes.

[Squire]

Regrettable news man and yes, they were a great generation.

[CMur12]

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your father, BeatlesFan. My father is long gone and my mother is now 89.

From what you have shared with us, your father lived a good life and made a mighty contribution to this nation. May your memories of him sustain you and bring you peace.

- Murray

[fallingwickets]

Sorry about your loss.....thanks for sharing a good story of your dad's with us.

clive

[Brutus]

It's the small memories that we cherish and that I shall never let go of.

I have fond memories of my mom and my dad burned into my memory, although I did grow closer to my dad with age since we shared so many similarities (I do honestly hope).

In my youth, I was closer to my mom and more distant to my dad, who - as a rector - represented more stern and removed authority - even if he was such a kind man at heart.


Cherish your dad's memories as you would want your children yours.



B.

[Jbbmad2]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family sir.

[Thalay Sagar]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

[brothers]

You'll miss having him to talk to, but the fond memories will always be with you. My condolences -

[Nitrox]

My condolences to you. Sometimes I dream of my dad and it feels like he never went away.
The memories will always be with you and give you comfort.

[JRTASTER]

There will never be a generation to match your (and my) dad's!

The passing of one of its members is therefore a loss of a major treasure not only to his
family, but to the rest of us as well. We are all diminished and should all mourn, as I do with you.

JR

[Jbbmad2]

What I'm sure most of us are thinking, just can't put into words. Well said JR.

[EL Alamein]

What I'm sure most of us are thinking, just can't put into words. Well said JR.

+1