I was never sure what my dad did for a living, because I never got to visit his workplace. He was in mechanical engineering jobs that were either highly technical or top secret.
He came home at 5:30 every day. I would wait for him on my red bicycle and ride alongside his car for the last block to our house.
Dad read widely, and he must have had a lot of deep thoughts. But he kept those them mostly locked up inside his head. Maybe I didn’t have enough wit to ask him the right questions to unlock those thoughts.
Dad read widely, and he must have had a lot of deep thoughts. But he kept those them mostly locked up inside his head. Maybe I didn’t have enough wit to ask him the right questions to unlock those thoughts.
But also, American dads were probably more remote to their kids in those days than they are now.
He’s been gone now for almost 25 years, and I still think fondly about him. When I clear my throat, I realize I sound exactly like him. I can’t help imagining him riding around on that giant vacuum cleaner.
I love the work and the tale. I remember so many posts on your blog about your own kids through the years, they're always so wonderful. I've gone back to your advice in fatherhood for my kids just as often as I'd come back to your advice in painting. Hope you and the family are doing well James, happy father's day!
ReplyDeleteGreat work! I wish I could subscribe to the blog and receive the updates by mail! Does anyone know how to do it?
ReplyDeleteI am working on a book about the paintings my grandfather did. Going through all his artwork and letters, photographs and rare video recordings, I can't believe it has been nearly 25 years since his passing. He is still quite present and alive in my memory. I wonder what he would think about my artistic endeavors of recent years. All the best from Tobias!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely portrait and remembrance!
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