Happy Birthday Tati ( Dad )



My grandma, and aunt made me this collage. They brought it with them when they came to visit a couple years back, and I can't even tell you how much I cried when I saw it. Can you believe my dad was blonde when he was little, I was too. He was so handsome, and I miss him more than words can tell. 


Today is my dad's birthday. He's been gone for almost 17 years, more than half my life. I miss him all the time, and every step of my life, I wish he was there with me, and my kids, and a part of our lives, not only in our hearts, but here on Earth with us.

I was only 15 years old when my dad passed away, it was fast and very unexpected, completely out of the blue, and I will never forget the day. Maybe at another time I will go into more detail about his extraordinary life, and what an amazing man, and father he was, but today I just wanted to share a couple pictures with you, and a few pieces he created with his own two hands, over 30 years ago, maybe even more than that. All I know is that they are precious to me, and I wanted you to see the talent that he had.

My Dad was a pattern maker, and most of my memories are of him in his workshop working on all these different blue models. He worked with wood a lot, and was very talented. He spent many late nights working on deadlines, and my grandma and mom would often help him. My brother was also a frequent in his workshop, and we have many cute pictures of him all small, helping daddy out. :)

I am in this country and our entire family is here, because of my fathers courage to reach for a better life. He wanted his children to have opportunities that were not possible at the time in Romania and he risked his life to see that happen. It's a beautiful story, and one day I may share it with you all.

My dad and mom on their wedding day. I love this picture,  it is just so beautiful.  Even though they had very little money for a wedding, everyone in the village pitched in, and look at that. Doesn't take much, to create class. 

You know fathers are special. Sometimes I get jealous when my kids cry out for their daddy. I know it's bad, but I do. I feel like hey I'm the one here with you 24/7 taking care of your every need, and you have the nerve to cry that you want your daddy. What in the world can daddy give you that I don't? As I look back at my childhood, it was the same way. My father never fed me, or clothed me, he didn't wash me, or brush my hair. He didn't read to me, and hardly had time to talk. He was always working, and working hard to provide for his family. Yet I always loved the little talks we did have, and cherish them very dearly. I remember the one time he made eggs, with feta cheese. One time, but I still make my eggs like that, and now my son makes them like that. Just little things I remember, but those times were special. So I guess my kids are no different. While I am there to take care of their every need, there is something special about a father. I should really try harder to realize that, next time. :)

A box my dad made. I have no idea how he made it, but it's beautiful.

The details are awesome, and this is the kind of work he did. Payed attention to all the detail always. 

This is just a decorative vase like thing, but it doesn't actually hold anything. Another special piece I love. 

Isn't that beautiful?

He worked with this often, and to this day don't know what it's called or how he did it. Like I said most of these pieces were made when I was very little, and even if I may have seen him do it, I couldn't possible understand what he did at the time. Of course now, I have nobody to ask. I would love to learn the technique if I ever get a chance. 

One of the first shirts he had in this country. The one he actually had on his back is in the top picture collage. The flowery one, and I remember him telling my that he had that and perhaps one more change of clothes. A small bag, and like practically no money, but that's what he left Romania with, and boy did he come a long way. 

Lastly I want to share the pillow he got at the hospital when he had his open heart surgery, about 5 years before he died. This pillow never really meant anything to me while he was alive, I was so young, just never crossed my mind. But after he was gone, I wanted to hold onto everything I could, and this is just one of those things. I have never thought about recovering it, I like it just the way it is. 

I miss you Tati, and the kids, are so sweet, they talk to you all the time, and it makes me cry. Happy tears, that they have such love for you, but mostly sadness that you are not here. I still dream of you, and those are truly my happiest moments, and I really don't want to wake up. I love those dreams, and wish you would visit me more often. Until we meet again, I love you.

Te Iubesc!!

I am happily sharing this post at these happy places :


Crystals Craft Spot @ Crystals Craft Spot
Frugalicious Fridays @ Finding Fabulous
Show and Tell Fridays @ My Romantic Home
Favorite Things Fridays @ A Few of My Favorite Things




As always ENJOY!

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