Monday, 16 June 2014

Being There

Being There

As I drove to the golf course on the Saturday before Memorial day, Willie Nelson’s duet with Sheryl Crow “Far Away Places” rang through the speakers. Mom and Dad’s kind of music…

I was instantly blessed with the image of Dad standing against the fence in left field watching me play Little League baseball. I was transported to that “not so far away place”.

Just as he always was, Dad is here with me. We walked so many miles together on land and in the water. Played so many games together, told so many stories to one another. I’ll admit being sorry for the fibs I told him… I did so appreciate him letting me get away with most of them, even though he saw right through me.

Dad created with me. Yes we created games together; in the old Country Squire Station wagon with the multi colored doors ( a gift from a wreck in the past). We fought imaginary World War II battles.. The cars were the Yanks and the trucks the Japanese. I was his copilot and gunner and he was the pilot and commander. Of course, We never lost a battle. The imaginary was magical, but Everything else was the great “good stuff”.

We built memories. Unforgettable beauties on all those golf courses, in all those bays, in the mosquito ridden canals, sleeping on rocks, trecking through marshes, picking our way through woods.

Sometimes we talked a plenty. Most times we were just together. Helpful instructions and words of encouragement the only words spoken, and then only when necessary.

I was able to dream, to conjure oneness with nature and God. I was safe and never had a worry with you. What a gift.

From serving our country to protecting and providing for us, Dad was always there, stedfast. In a strange way the silent presence in left field says it all. No judgement, no expectation and present.

Dad made me know that I could conquer the world. I now know he faced fear, but I never had one while with him.

Father’s Day without him? No, he is here. He is with and a part of every one of his 11 children. I see his smile in every one of us. I hear his laugh when you all laugh; see him dance every time I do. Hear him sing when one of us does. He is so very near like he always was.

Happy Father’s Day Dad. With all the love in the Universe.

William Joseph Nelson Sr.