Tag: #IMissMyDad

Christmas 🎄 Past: Memories

Reflecting back on Christmases past is something I don’t often do. This year I have been trying to remember what Christmases used to look like while I was growing up. Odd thing is I cannot remember much about them. Not what gifts were given or received. I know I gave and received them, but if you asked me what I received in any particular year I would not be able to tell you.

These photos are from my archives. Most likely taken by my father, Nornal Hule Waters.

The first photo by the date is of my very first Christmas taken with my dad, & my brother. So, this one my mom probably snapped. This first Christmas was spent in Great Falls, South Carolina. Great Falls is a town (not a city). The second photo is also taken in Great Falls, SC with my mom I presume the following year. And the third photo was taken in San Diego, California when I was either in Junior High or a sophomore in high school. Definitely before 1974. My brother went into the Air Force early in 1975 and was no longer home for Christmas afterwards.

The one constant which I remember is that every Christmas Eve growing up, we went to a Christmas Eve Service at church. We would dress up in our very best church clothes to attend the special service. It would be filled with music, both from the choir and the audience. It would be a joyous occasion, extremely uplifting. The emphasis would be given though a message (some would call a sermon) as well as the music on the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ and the visit by the three wise men presenting the Christ child with precious gifts. This tradition was not continued each and every year after my marriage and living what I consider my hometown (not my birth city). Sadly, it is one that I remember and miss the most.

The above pictures were taken after I had my eldest son and later after my marriage. The first photo is of my eldest son, John Thomas Waters III. He was named after my paternal grandfather who was also named after his paternal grandfather. The next one is the first Christmas photo after my marriage. And the last one is with my daughter for her first Christmas.

The next group of photos are random pictures of my family throughout the years.

More Random Christmas Photos:

Capture the memories with your family and friends while you are still able. You never know when one of them may no longer be with you. Photographs speak a thousand words, more than you’ll ever know. I wish I could spend another holiday with my dad, mom, husband, and grandparents, but sadly they will only be here in spirit.

I pray y’all had a wonderful Christmas and will have a blessed New Year.

Throwback Thursday #5

Father/Daughter Quotes: I Miss My Dad!

My dad holding me next to my brother

In many countries and across the United States of America, Father’s Day is a recognized public holiday in which we celebrate on the third Sunday in June. This coming Sunday is that third Sunday in which many people will celebrate Father’s Day. It is a day to honor fatherhood and the paternal bonds. It is also to celebrate the influence fathers have had in our society.

Even though Father’s Day is a joyous celebration for most everyone, for some it is a day of sadness and of remembering their fathers who are no longer with them. Whether the loss of a father is recent or not doesn’t matter. People grieve and feel the loss, not for a short time, but for the rest of their life’s. Missing the times that will never be had or what one wishes they could have had with their father.

My dad’s been gone from this world since December 31, 1996, and I miss him every day of my life. I appreciate the things he taught me and the unconditional love he bestowed upon me. I never once doubted the love he had for me. I appreciated the times we sat down together and worked on model cars, the times sharing stamp collecting – putting the stamps in collector albums, and sharing his passion for photography.

Woman’s Day

“My father died many years ago, and yet when something special happens to me, I talk to him secretly not really knowing whether he hears, but it makes me feel better to half believe it.”

— Natasha Josefowitz
My dad and I —Many Moons Ago

“The reason why daughters love their dad the most is…that there is at least one man in the world who will never hurt her.”

— Anonymous
Woman’s Day
My dad, my brother, and I

“Daddy, thanks for being my hero, chauffer, financial support, listener, life mentor, friend, guardian, and simply being there every time I need a hug.”

— Agatha Stephanie Lin

My father taught me how to ride a bicycle as a child and later taught me how to drive a car. When I wanted a 10 speed, he took a used one and rebuilt it, painting the frame a metallic gold color (the same as used on some cars back in the day). I loved it more than if he’d bought a brand-new bike. Besides teaching me how to drive a car, he taught me how to change the oil and how to change the tires so that I’d be able to handle any situation and understand how to properly maintain a vehicle. I appreciate him teaching me everything he taught me as I was growing up. I wish he was still around so I would be able to continue learning from him.

“A good father will leave his imprint on his daughter for the rest of her life.”

— Dr. James Dobson
This is the last picture of just me and my dad
— Nornal Hule Waters You are Always in My Heart

God Bless. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. May all the daughters appreciate their fathers. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.