Postaday a topic ‘tis it
Leaving me bereft –
How on earth can one revisit
What one’s never left?
When I look at this picture, however, I find myself wishing that I had taken far more time to involve myself in the amazing interests of my father. I did learn archery, and to fly and drive a car and ride a motorbike with him, but he had far more to show me that I simply didn’t bother with.
Similarly, if only I had allowed my mother to get me to develop my musical potential – instead of driving her to distraction and to give up.
For my grandchildren, I wish they had the freedom and relative safety of my own times. We were able to do things and take risks that these days – and not only in South Africa – would simply be asking for trouble.
© February 2013 Colonialist (WordPress)
Great post and what a lovely photo.
Your dad was a handsome man as well.
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My goodness, this brings a lump to the throat. I can say so many of the same things about my own life. Your father had what I call “kind eyes” and the expression on his face as he holds you close is very dear. What a loving tribute to him, and yes, it really makes us look at our grandchildren a little differently when we thinking about how quickly time passes. We just want to get it all in! I loved this…although now I’m a little melancholy! 🙂
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Thank you for the lovely comment!
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We all have regrets. I really wish that my dad had taught me Dutch and Indonesian, instead of always speaking English at home.
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I was saying the very same thing this past weekend. But ifs and buts and dwelling on what we didn’t do .. or do correctly just weighs us down. We have to make new memories. Hugs Col.
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Just so! And make the best of the skills we DID collect.
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Yes, Col, the ‘advances’ of our ‘civilisation’ have come at an enormous price.
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For many of the steps forward we have, indeed, taken several back.
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Yes, I too have given myself several swift kicks for not paying more attention to family tales and photos. I’ve tried to amend this with my son, but he’s about as interested as I was at his age. Too bad our ancestors didn’t have blogs that would live on forever (or maybe the mystery of it all is better?)
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I think the secret is to ensure there are good records, now. That way, if a stage is reached where anyone is interested, they will have access to the information.
Lucky are those whose ancestors were avid correspondents, and where the letters have been kept. My wife has some real gems written by a grandfather – very far from PC, though!
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I think that the whole world has become less safe… Sounds like you learned a lot from your father! We all have regrets! Dang rear view mirror!
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Remember Col that someone will wish they had spent more time learning from you too!!! How do we make younger ones listen!!
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Swishing a cane suggestively might get their attention! 🙂
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That’s a lovely wish for your grandchildren. May it come true.
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How super that would be – it would mean so many things had changed for the better.
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I have to agree Col.
My childhood years were memorable, and I too wish I spent more time listening to the older folks’ stories – they had many to tell!
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Not only stories, but interests and skills to share!
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It’s unfortunate that kids can’t go and have fun like you guys did back in the day. I was still able to go to the park with friends and things like that but nowadays parents don’t allow it unless they’re around
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With good reason. Even a couple of young girls, in those days, would think nothing of cycling long distances simply for the fun of it, as my wife used to do. Also riding several kilometres alone every day to school.
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I was still able to walk to school without my parents worrying too much. I would never dream of letting my kids do it
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