This is a picture of my father and me.

I just felt I needed to share this today.  On a flashback Friday if you will.

My parents divorced when I was two and I don’t have many memories of my life during that time.  One thing I can remember is my dad singing.  He has a beautiful singing voice.  The song that always warms my heart when I hear it is “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens.  He used to sing that song to me when I was young.  It takes me back to that time in my life. A time when my dad was all mine.

When I was about five, he, as well as my mom fell in love with other people and remarried.  As they should.  The days of having my parents all to myself were over.  Step-parents and new siblings arrived, all of whom have been a blessing in my life. The way all four of my parents handled the complexities of divorce, remarriage and co-parenting made my little life so much life easier.  They should write a book on how to put your own ego aside for what’s best for a child.

I grew up living with my mom and visited my dad every other weekend.  This didn’t lend itself to forming a close relationship with him.  He was a strong and loving, quiet presence in my life.  Sometimes I think moms tend to do a lot of the hands on parenting and dads are the supportive foundation.  But my dad was always there. Birthdays. Graduations. Holidays.  I always felt he was there if I needed him, especially for the important stuff.

The profound bond I feel with my dad isn’t something that has been formed through frequent, long conversations together or a multitude of shared experiences over the years. It is a powerful connection none the less.  I can be real with him. He has never asked me to change or be something I’m not.  To act different or somehow better. I feel his love for me when we are together and when we are apart. I know he will always be there in whatever way I may need him. I don’t need frequent phone calls to know that he loves me.  I don’t need gifts or even much praise.  I just need to know that he’s there.

Because my mom died so many years ago, I feel I need to litter my blog pages with her essence so I can somehow feel closer to her.  But today, I am relishing in the love I have for my father, the first man I ever loved. Someone I will always love.

My dad is a man of few words. I don’t need many words to know he loves me. I simply need memories such as those that go with this song. . .when I listen to it, my heart feels full.

Salty Kisses,

Karen