My dad died on Saturday.
It still seems surreal to say that, pointing it out as such a straightforward fact. On Friday, Dad was with us. On Saturday morning, he no longer was. And now, here I sit, finding myself suddenly fatherless at 34 years old.
I have kept the progression of my dad’s illness close to my vest since I first shared his cancer diagnosis here on Positively Splendid in 2013. After all, here on a blog full of recipes and pretty projects, I have been reticent to dampen the mood with the stories that come along with witnessing and supporting a loved one in the battle for his life.
Today, though, it dawned on me that I really don’t have a choice but to share the news of my father’s passing with you all, because there simply wouldn’t be a little site called Positively Splendid had it not been for him and his influence in my life.
In addition to his primary vocation as a surgeon, my dad was an artist. An oil painter, to be specific. For Christmas a few years back, Dad gave my husband and me a painting of clothes drying on a line near an old adobe house near Encino, New Mexico. On the back of the painting, he inscribed: “May you never lose sight of the beauty in the ordinary.”
Never lose sight of the beauty in the ordinary.
With a brush and paint, Dad could turn an ordinary scene like clothes drying on a line into a stunning work of art. He could see the breathtaking perfection of a cloud against an electric blue New Mexico sky and then depict it on canvas to bless others with that beauty, too. Dad’s brush strokes were a map to guide others to see how much beauty existed in the unlikeliest of places: in a quiet, dilapidated church surrounded by leaning headstones; in a rocky New Mexico landscape; in a clothesline in a tiny, dusty town called Encino. I will never behold a compelling scene without wondering how Dad could transform it into a masterpiece on canvas.
Never lose sight of the beauty in the ordinary.
Friends, never underestimate the legacy you are cultivating when you make something with your own two hands, no matter how “ordinary” those creations might seem. A painting. A quilt. A card. A garment. A meal. It all matters. As my heart aches in missing Dad, I will always have a part of him here with me in my home, his paintings whispering to me a reminder as I walk through these halls each day that despite his death, Dad is still imparting beauty into the world. Into my world, and into that of my children, and then their children, and their children after that. What a gift. What a treasure!
By the end of Dad’s life, the ordinary things he loved so much simply were no longer possible. Painting a beautiful scene. Caring for his patients. Sitting down to a plate brimming with meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Resting on the back porch to appreciate the blueness of the New Mexico sky or the fluffy perfection of a cloud. I have no doubt that right now, in the loving presence of Jesus, Dad is giddy with delight. I like to think that the other side of eternity that he sees doesn’t just consist of golden streets and pearly gates, but it is also filled with the ordinary, breathtakingly beautiful things that Dad loved and appreciated so much. The ordinary, beautiful things Jesus himself loved so much during his time on earth.
And perhaps–just perhaps–Dad is beholding it all, whole and pain-free, with his brush in hand and his Savior by his side, painting his life’s greatest masterpiece.
I love you, Dad. To the moon and back.
~A.
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
What a beautiful tribute to your talented father. I am so sorry for your loss and sending much sympathy. I lost my mom last year and dad two years before that, so I can certainly understand your heartache. Keep thinking that he is without pain now, I keep reminding myself that also about my parents. I have a lot of art in my house also, since my daughter is an artist and you have his lovely artwork all around you to comfort you.
Amy, What a talented and loving man. I know he was a wonderful dad because I’ve met you and you are a truly exceptional person. That painting of the clothes on the line is a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing and praying for you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. You have written a beautiful tribute to your dad. He sounds like a wonderful person who spent his life taking care of you and others. I love that thought – never lose sight of the beautiful in the ordinary. I’m glad you have such good memories – and his paintings – to comfort you.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious dad.
Beautifully written. Sorry for your loss.
Dear Anne,
So sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad 10 years ago. Left a big hole in my heart. He was an avid photographer and passed that on to me. Yes, he has peace now and no pain. He has taught you to be a caring and sharing person. You are a lot like him.You are in my prayers to aide in your healing from loss.
Mercedes
I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. That has to be one
of the saddest things to go through.
So thankful for your paintings to remember him by.
I’m so so sorry for the loss of your daddy! Prayers for you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. I lost my dad 8 years ago and I miss him so much. A beautiful tribute to your dad, especially the clothes on the clothesline. I have a three line clothes line in my backyard that my dad made the post for. Lots of memories we carry for a lifetime. Prayers to you in the days ahead.
Amy, this is beautiful and so inspiring. May you be comforted by the Holy Spirit today and the days to come. You appreciate what your dad was trying to share with you. Parents always want their children to “get” what they feel is most important in life and you “got” it. I’m sure your dad is beaming about that and your response to his turn to be in eternity. Missing him will definitely cause deep sadness and remembering him will cause great joy. Both are important. I’ll be praying for you and your family. Hugs.
So terribly sorry. I ache for you.
What a beautiful tribute! I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing, your dad sounds like an amazing man!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have a lump in my throat as I look at that picture and remember your wedding. Praying for sweet memories to flood your thoughts.
So sorry for your loss. I am thankful for the kind of man your father was, even though I never knew him, because he made you! And you, precious woman of God, are a blessing to so many!
What a lovely tribute to a most amazing father! What a legacy he left. Not everyone has that gift. Embrace it and share it with your loved ones. Thank you for sharing your story and memories with us. You were indeed fortunate to have the father that God blessed you with!
What a legacy he has left for you and your children and such a beautiful tribute to him from you.
Sorry for your loss, may God wrap his arms around you, hold you close and fill that void with his peace.
Such beautiful paintings your dad has left for you to enjoy, I’m sure he’s painting in heaven
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing a bit of your Dad’s beautiful spirit with us. Sending prayers for you and your family through this tough time.
Beautiful and well written, Amy. I’m sure John would be proud of such a wonderful tribute.
Thank you for sharing such a personal story during such a difficult time. Your dad’s work is amazing and his words to you on the back of the painting are so special and important. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thanks for sharing with us….he sounds like a wonderful person that all should aspire to emulate. Prayers for you & your family in this time of loss.
So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful thought: never lose sight of the beauty in the ordinary.
I am so sorry. This is a beautiful tribute.
You and yor family are in my prayers.
God bless you.
Heartwarming. May the presence of Jesus comfort your heart …
I’m truly sorry for your loss, and so grateful and thankful for you sharing with us. It really made me stop to think if I were to leave this world today, what would I be leaving behind besides memories for my love ones to cherish. Your Dad’s paintings are amazing and so are you!
Positively Splendid! Thanks for sharing this beautiful post with us. Such love and respect in these words. You were surely a blessing to each other, and may your memories continue to bless your family.
So very, very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. That was a beautiful tribute to your father. You were very blessed to have had such a wonderful man in your life. Remember that even though he is no longer here with you and your family he will always be with you in your thoughts, memories and in your heart.
Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. May you treasure the memories of him.
Thank you for sharing your story, my heartfelt condolences. God bless you and rest easier knowing that he is now pain free and in a place far greater than ours.
I wasn’t much older than you when I lost my dad to cancer as well, my prayers are with you.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like an amazing man.
Sending my love and prayers to you and your family! I love his beautiful pictures. I live in CA, but my family came from New Mexico and aside from 2 little branches that left, everyone is still there. This summer is the first time that I will be bringing my husband and ALL of my kids to the Land of Enchantment. I hope my 6 year old is just as enthusiastic about it once we are there. I hope she doesn’t just see the bare land and tumbleweeds, but the amazing construction of the Adobe homes, the slower pace of life, the beauty in our family church that has been there since the 1800’s…
My oldest got to come with me on one of my visits a couple years ago and she fell in love. May it be the same this time around. Treasure your memories close to your heart and be thankful for these gifts he has left you with. XOXO
What a lovely Tribute and a wonderful reminder to appreciate the beauty in the simple things of life. I am so very sorry for the loss of your Father. I am praying for you and your family, hun {{{hugz}}}.
My heart goes out to you. I lost my dad to a massive stroke 3 put ago. I do not live near him so I really felt guilty. I still think of him daily but the deep pain lessens over the years. Always remember his spirit or angel is always with you.
So sorry to hear about your Dad. My Grandpa took up oil painting in his 70’s and I have two of his paintings, and treasure them. Hugs to you and your family. Thanks for all the great ideas and enthusiasm that you share here. Take care.
Sharlyn
I am so sorry! Sounds like he was an amazing dad! You were very lucky to have him. Your family will be in our prayers.
What a blessing that you had him for a father! He sounds wonderful! My heart goes out to you.
Beautifully written tribute to your father. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs, prayers too. ??
Sympathy, prayers and hugs to you. He sounds like he was an amazing man, but your tribute to him is lovely and his legacy is living on through you! Best to you. Lisa
Sorry for your loss. May you find a peace in this time of pain.
So sorry for your loss. My memories of my dad are precious as are yours, they are a gift we don’t truly appreciate until we can no longer make new ones but by passing them on to the next generation for them to treasure honours them in the way they deserve.
Sorry for you loss but he left you how to view the world. We so often do not see the beauty around us. Peace to you and your family.
So sorry. I completely understand your thoughts even though my father was not a wonderful dad. After he died, I had to dig deep to find the things that were positive and work at putting the negative away. Over time I found and appreciate the talents that he left within me. You are very blessed to have had someone like your dad. God Bless!
I am so sorry about the loss of your Dad- he sounds like a really exceptional guy! But what treasures- to have his paintings! And that saying- Never loose sight… Wow!! I need that on a plaque as a reminder. (((hugs))) and prayers for comfort for you.
Your words are so beautiful! Your dad would be proud. Sending prayers and hugs your way <3
Your dad is painting with the angels now. The next sunrise or sunset or fluffy clouds in the sky may be one of his creations. I know how much a father is missed.