Sunday, January 29, 2012

A Man Not Forgotten

Tuesday it will be 34 years since my young father passed away.


It is pretty much why I hate the month of January after all these years. The bitter cold, the post holiday coldness of life.

I sometimes wonder, if anyone else remembers him?

I know they do.............

You see my father was the High School Science Teacher and started the football team.
I don't think he was just any teacher, I think he made a difference in people lives.


Last fall I was home on Veterans Day weekend. As I walked into a local antique store the owner looked up at me and said "well there is Ann Winkler now". Like they were expecting me?
There was a gentleman at the counter, older, with a white beard and cowboy hat on...I did not know him.
He was at the counter asking the antique owner where my father was buried, when I walked in the store!
What are the odds of that?
You see, his purpose was, that it was Veterans Day, he remembered his favorite teacher
served in WWII and he wanted to go to his grave site and pay his respects.
So you think I walked out of their dry eyed?
It touched my heart so...

Then yesterday I was working on my genealogy. I belong to Ancestry
and am always interested in seeing who is saving my info to their
family tree.  After some research I realized the person saving some info
that I went to High School with their husband!
After sending each other a message I asked her to ask her to tell
her husband that my father was Mr. Winkler.
She wrote back
"Bob wondered if that was the case. Your dad was his hero and this brought back fond memories and a smile to his face."

Daddy you were always my hero, but I did not know you were for everyone else.

Love, Ann

17 comments:

NanaDiana said...

Well, you had me bawling at losing the young father and tears rolling down my cheeks at your last sentence. I, too, lost my Dad when I was young and I still miss him. It is 41 years this May that he has been gone.

I am so happy that you got those "signs" about your Dad. I'm pretty sure God put those people in those places at the times he did. Blessings- xo Diana

Victorian1885 said...

Sending big hugs to you today.. as I have shared with you in past posts my Father also dies 34 years ago this coming March. I have great memories as do you of your dear Dad and hold them close to your heart.. I really do believe he is around me most every day and I get great comfort in knowing I will see him again someday. Take care..

Wanda

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

He was a good man, Ann and a good teacher. I remember him well and of course, your Mom, too. Whenever I drive by your house on Main street, it will always be the Winkler house to me! Wishes for February to get here soon!

Diane Mars said...

We lost our dad when he was very young too. My father was just 50 years old. I sure feel cheated. It is hard at times, thank goodness all the grand-peeps fill that void in my heart. ox

Diane Mars said...

We lost our dad when he was very young too. My father was just 50 years old. I sure feel cheated. It is hard at times, thank goodness all the grand-peeps fill that void in my heart. ox

Shortbread and Ginger said...

What a lovely post - its good that others remember your Dad as well.
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Jenny's Heart said...

My daddy is my hero too and I sent him a card the other day telling him how much I love him and that he is my hero.
(((hugs)))

Claudia said...

What a beautiful tribute to you beloved father, Ann. It must have been so hard to lose your father at such a young age. But look how his character and good deeds live on! He was obviously respected and adored.

xo
Claudia

Tete said...

Well, I'm crying now. It must be so wonderful to know that the man you love so much meant so much to others, and even if he didn't have much time here, he made a difference. A big difference. What a dad. Thinking of you this week.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful loving tribute to your father! January is not my favorite time of year either, I lost my mother 25 years ago this month. It's such an ugly month as far as I'm concerned. It's wonderful that you have lovely memories of your father. Blessings to you.

On Crooked Creek said...

Ann,
Your lovely post touched my heart and made me realize, even more, how very fortunate I am to still have my father as he quickly approaches 90years of age. Thank you for sharing this lovely memory of your father with us!
Fondly,
Pat

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

What a sweet tribute to your Father!!!! How great you found confirmation that people DID INDEED remember your Dad and my oh my, how fondly! His memory is a gift that keeps on giving. :0)

Jill said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Dad - we will always miss those who have passed on too soon - my Dad passed away 4 four years ago, I'll miss him always....

Rose H (UK) said...

Hello Ann, what a sweet post in memory of your wonderful father, obviously a well loved and respected man but such a shame to loose him when you were so young.

I'd like to pass on a quick congratulations as you have won the Victorian postcards from my blog giveaway! Please contact me with you address and I will get them off to you. (Replacing 'dot' and 'at' with the relevant characters..)
secondhandrose1atbtinternetdotcom
Rose H
x

Unknown said...

I still miss my Uncle Kenny after all these years. He was my favorite Uncle, always so loving and kind. He gently teased me and I loved him for it..in fact I had a crush on him. My Mom, his younger sister was heartbroken when he died. Uncle Kenny, you will always be forever young to me.

Richard Cottrell said...

My dad was tough, especially to me, an artist. But he did teach me many things, and I am grateful. Richard from My Old Historic House.

C'est moi Claudette said...

I missed this post didn't I Ann? I'm sorry. I'm sorry you lost your daddy so soon. I lost mine when I was 25. I still miss him so much. I asked Sister if she thought we saw our parents in heaven at the time they left us, otherwise how could we recognize them? I will be 25 again and my dad 59. Now my mom will be 92, would have been 93 in a few days, and I wonder if my dad saw her when she was in 62? Just thinking and wondering. No one knows, no one knows.
Glad others keep your dad in their thoughts too. My dad taught hockey and lacrosse with no legs. I'll always remember the guys lovin' their couch. That's my dad.
Your dad was a good man too Ann. I know it.
xoxoxoxo