Can you see the happiness in this man’s face and his sense of good fortune for having such handsome sons? This is among my favorite photos of him; from a time before I was born and a time that I imagine to have been among his most contented.
As fate would have it, he lost his eldest son Neil, the freckle-faced redhead on the left and another son, Stephen, before I was even born. Two brothers I claim but never knew.
I wonder about whether he was a different father before the loss of two of his sons. I’d guess he was and think this photo must give a hint of the man he was before.
A nice picture!
It’s like our parents didn’t have a life before us kids. Isabelle is always stunned when I tell her about my life before she came along. She can’t imagine a world that didn’t have her yet!
What a terrible loss for your parents! I remember when my father and stepmother lost their first child to a congenital heart defect. It was a very hard time for them.
And yet in spite of heartbreak, we all go on to find happiness again. Your dad got YOU! 🙂
I agree that the loss of two children would change a parent forever. I am trying to guess how old your dad is in the picture. I imagine he is quite young. They are a good looking group!
Ruth
Losing a child must be the hardest thing to bear. Like Bunnygirl said, “Then he had YOU! (much to smile about.)”
What a heartbreaking time your dad (and mom) must’ve had of it. Still–like everyone else said, they got you!
That is a wonderful picture and yes, he does look happy and contented. It must be strange to look upon the face of a brother that you never got to know. Ae you the only girl? The youngest?
Laura, what a bittersweet picture.
Your father looks like such a gentle man, standing there with his sons long ago.
Your parents endured such pain with the loss of their sons. But then it was tempered for them when you were born. Sweet photo…lovely post.
Touching post.
Great photo! OMG, I didn’t realize your parents lost two sons. I’ve heard that’s the hardest.
Great Post! Before I was born, my mom lst a girl…2 years old. I would have been twins, but my twin died at birth.
Wow–your parents lost two children. That is devastating.
Your observation of what he might have been without such grief is very astute.
I recall reading prior posts you have written about him, and believe that he was a good dad for you.
-Thanks for sharing this with us.-It shows an aspect of your life that I never would have guessed.
what a great picture. it’s a true treasure. miss you!! hope all is going well.
Great picture and very thought provoking post.
Laura – I’m so behind on reading my blogging buddies’ posts. This was so poignant. Unimaginable pain. Just unimaginable. Donna is right – thank God you came into his life – a ray of sunshine into a life with many sad shadows.