Dad
When I think of Dad, I smile and my heart is warmed. He is so special
to me and he touched me in so many ways.
I have so many wonderful memories of him throughout the years.
- His joy when learning that Russ and I were expecting his first
grandchild, then his happiness when a boy was born. Eric is the first
son of the first son of the first son…I don’t know how many generations
back that tradition goes, but Dad was so happy to see the tradition
continue when his firstborn son, Russ, had a son.
- And that joy was
renewed when his first granddaughter, Laura was born. He adored her
sweet smile and loved to hold her and kiss her. He was so proud of the
wonderful young lady she has become.
- He was a proud grandfather to all his grandchildren
- He was in charge of making homemade ice cream for family get
togethers.
Eric and Laura had such a hard time waiting for Grandpa to announce
that it was finally ready so that they could get the ice cream dashers
to lick.
- And I smile when I think of the many times we sat around the
kitchen
table ---- eating Mom’s wonderful meals and then seeing Dad holding out
his cup and saying to Mom, “Got any of that coffee left?” …………………… He
did love his coffee!
He had special qualities that I will carry with me forever
First, his
sincere, genuine, nonjudgmental, and loving interest in other people. I
remember going to dinner at a restaurant several years ago with Mom and
Dad and seeing Dad stop to smile and compliment the parents on how cute
and well mannered their little boy was. He saw the best in people, and
communicated it to those lucky enough to know him. Whenever we gathered
around the kitchen table, eating, laughing, and catching up, he would
focus all his attention on learning about what each one of us was doing
and thinking. He truly wanted to understand our experiences and
activities. I have rarely experienced that kind of unselfish caring and
I feel fortunate to have received such a special gift from him that I
treasure.
Recently my uncle, who is 82 years old, remarked that the way
to tell if someone is old is if all they talk about is the state of
their innards!
Well, if that’s the criterion for old age, then Dad
never got there. He focused outside himself, taking an interest in
learning new things and in understanding others. He faced his decline
with graciousness and courage. Recently he and Mom shared with me a
book they had bought, written by a hospice nurse, about the dying
process. This act opened the door to being able to communicate about
this difficult topic in a very natural way. He faced the ending of his
life with courage and love for all around him. I only hope I can be a
tiny bit like him.
George Savage was truly my father …..
by love
if not by blood,
and I will
always miss him
Julie Savage Batchelder
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