for blue eyes

I grew up loving Cary Grant, Paul Newman and John Wayne, actors portraying my dad on the screen. Dad was my very own movie star- dancing like Gene Kelly on the small stage, our kitchen linoleum. Strikingly handsome with the most beautiful pale blue eyes, charming, mischievous, talented, sensitive, stubborn, kind and generous, Bob Matthews was a big-hearted, big bearish guy. An outdoorsman and champion golfer, he was as comfortable in a saddle as he was in a top down t-bird. And he adored me. No matter what.

Today would be his birthday- right after mine, his day too often a footnote to my princess celebration. My mother was just telling me that when I was born, though I was the first, he was never afraid of me. He tucked me under his arm like a pee-wee football and took me wherever he went, happily taking on any challenges that created. He did that kind of thing so well throughout his life- for my brothers and me. I love this picture- me in that favorite blue dress, wrapped under his arm still. He was a good, good man, easy to admire, harder to get to. I wish I could be that little girl there again, just one more hug, one more chance to tell him how much I love him. One more look into those so gentle blue eyes. Happy birthday, Dad. Here's to towers of pink cupcakes and barrels of black coffee. Our love to you - always.

Comments

[Dawn]

What a sweet tribute to your dear father.....

[Debbie White]

Found your blog this morning and it is beautiful! Thank you for the invitation for more tea. I hope to get to "visit" with you often.

[Heidi]

You made me cry! What a lovely tribute. And your dad was handsome!

[Becca]

Your dad was indeed very handsome!
I could have written the line "he adored me, no matter what" about my own dad, whom I miss every day.
Thinking of you on your Dad's special day, and wishing you some gentle peaceful moments.

[The Fairy Godmother]

I hope you had a happy birthday, I'm sure that in your heart and memory your Dad is still tucking you under his arm.

[teresa]

Your Daddy looks so handsome in that photo! Congrats on making it to the front page of Typepad yesterday Charlotte! You are on a roll sister!

[Kelley ~ JunqueyGal]

How lovely your memories are. Cherish them always!

[Sally]

What a lovely tribute to your father Charlotte. He sounds like the most wonderful daddy a girl could have. May your heart delight in sweet memories of him today and feel his embrace.

[Jill]

What a lovely tribute to an adored father. My dad is gone too, but sometimes, right out of the blue, I think of the sweet little things he said and did. It's like he's there whispering.

[Christe']

oh charlotte,
just look at that handsome daddy lovin' his pretty baby girl...
what beautiful memories.
I think I'll call my Dad right now.
xo
Christe'

[Diane Duda]

What a sweet photo and touching post.

[Susan]

What a lovely tribute. You're the spittin' image of your dad!

[melissa @ the inspired room]

Lovely sentiments, Charlotte! What a darling girl with her handsome daddy. Getting teary. I am grateful to still have my dad.

[wendy]

Oh Charlotte, that is so touching. You have so many fond memories to charish!

[Bethany]

I just found your lovely blog and have to say these touching memories you have shared have really gotten me all choked up....after reading what you shared, brought all the precious times I had with my daddy back to my mind. Thanks for that :)

[Ann]

This was truly lovely, and reminds me of me and my daddy. He died when I was 8, but I have such similar memories. Thank you for the gift of your entry.

[ginny Smallenburg]

What is it about girls and their dads? I loved your tribute to your dad. I miss my dad and wish he could see his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Maybe he can.

[Crystal]

This is a sweet, sweet post. And happy birthday to you! And happy little Typepad celebration, too!

Best,
Crystal

[Kathy]

How blessed you are! Wow what a handsome Father. I wish all children could have such a positive start in life...the world would be a much different place.
Best,
Kathy

[Tammy]

Love this post about your dad, Charlotte. Happy belated birthday to you both. I long for that one last hug from my sweet daddy-o, too. We're lucky girls to have had such great dads. Blessed, blessed, blessed.

[Kris Calahane]

What a beutiful Blog site! I just clicked on a link from the new Home Companion Blog, but I will be saving this to my favorites.