Tara’s Gallery theme this week is ‘a photo you are proud of. Well, here is mine.
This picture was taken last month at a family gathering.
I am very proud of the relationship my Dad has with my children.
When the 6 year old was two weeks old my Dad told me that he’d been keeping a secret from me during the latter part of my pregnancy. He had prostate cancer. The prognosis was good, and he would be having an operation.
The operation went well and he made a full recovery. This dice with death prompted my Dad to do something he’d wanted to do for a long time, move away from the stress of his business and live in the sun.
When the 6 year old was a few months old my Dad and my Stepmum moved to Spain. It meant that they visited a couple of times a year and we would spend a week or so with them each year.
I found it difficult to keep my Dad updated with our lives and a phonecall or email once a week or fortnight was never enough. That’s one of the reasons I started the blog, so that they could keep in touch with our lives more regularly.
I remember having a mixture of emotions when they moved, happy that they were doing something they wanted to do, but sad that my children wouldn’t have a close relationship with their grandfather.
My fears were totally unfounded because they’ve always had a special relationship. Clicking straight back into their banter regardless of how long it had been between visits.
My Dad and stepmum moved back to the UK last year. I am so glad that he no longer lives a plane ride away and is literally just over the hill. The children enjoy spending time with him, having Gramps adventures, and I love listening to them chatting and watching their interaction.
Since moving back to the UK my Dad, who is 60, has retrained as a driving instructor. He’s put everything into his training and is now fully qualified and enjoying his work. He has a glint in his eye again.
I’m very proud of you Pops!
15 Comments on "I’m glad he’s back"
what a lovely post and photo! The older I get the more I appreciate that family is the most important thing.
Ah, a very touching post.
dad’s are so very special.
M2M
Lovely post! My Dad (and Mum) live in the UK while we are in Cyprus but they will be moving here next year.
I can’t wait till my son has his Grandad living here too
Hoorah for Daddys Girls everywhere!
Lovely post and pic
That is a beautiful photo – and a beautiful post
Good for your dad for finding something he loves!
What a lovely photo and words to match…
Moving story. Had a similar thing with my dad last year and shocked me into what should be an obvious realisation that we aren’t here forever. Puts life into great perspective and makes you realise how important family and friends are.
I love gramps xx
Aw, lovely pic and fantastic story.
aaww Lovely story *sob*
I don’t think I got past the title and photo without shedding a tear!
Really lovely post x
I am sat sobbing, I miss my dad so much.
This rocks!! Words AND the picture. It’s so good that you have a great relationship with your dad.
xx
Sniff, such a lovely post…and a gorgeous shot! I wish my Dad lived nearer, the boys are missing out on such much not having him around. We see my mother in law more often and soon she’s moving near us, which will be fab. But I want the boys to see my Dad more.
Lovely lovely words xx
Oh that me me all teary. What a lovely post and what a blessing to have a relationship like that. My son is a 12 hour plane ride away from his grandparents and it is really difficult maintaining the closeness.