Josh was only 4 months when my dad died 15 years ago this month. My Dad held him in his arms a few times during those months, although often quickly handed him back to me because that sweet boy of mine was a screamer:)
Anyone who knew my Dad knew he was two things: a talker and a walker.
I’ve always known that Zach’s gift of the gab was a direct result of being my son, and of me being my father’s daughter.
Most teachers who called me over the years called because of their concern about Zach’s “talking.” I would let them know that I understood where they were coming from, and would discuss it with him, but politely also say that while he needed to learn to curb his talking at inappropriate times, I also felt that his talking would serve him well in life (as it did me – hello, Speech Pathologist). They kinda laughed at that, but I wasn’t joking. This year I think he is slowly learning when to keep his mouth shut, but I actually appreciate a chatty (almost) 17 year old!
Josh, is also a talker to some degrees. He’s certainly not a talker in the morning, nor ever on the phone. Even his texts are “non talker texts”. You can occasionally catch him being chatty when you drive him to soccer – so I like to do that as often as I can. Funny though, teachers still comment on his “social talking” so it’s definitely in the genes somewhere.
But Josh is also my walker.
It can be pouring rain outside and I can offer him a ride and he will decline.
He will always prefer to walk to a friend’s house, or walk to appointments.
The other day I wasn’t ready to leave to take him to his soccer practice and he decided to walk (although it would take him longer and he would end up getting there after he would if he just waited for me to take him).
Rob then told me that Josh had told him he liked to walk everywhere, because he said, “I like to think while I walk. It relaxes me.”
Just like my Dad.
I love when little things come out like that because even though my boys never got to really know my Dad, there is a part of him that is alive and well in their genes, and that makes me so happy.
I also like to think that he perhaps is walking along with Josh and enjoying the company of his grandson:)
Brought my tears to the surface talking about your Dad and how incredible it is that this month makes 15 years that he has not physically walked and talked with us but hope he is walking with us every step of the way. I often talk to him and hope he hears my cries, my pleas. What wonderful grandchildren (but in this case grandsons) our Dad has and I am sure he is walking and talking and admiring and loving them. Love and miss him so!
I’m a walker…just like my dad was. After work the first thing I do is take our dog for a walk…it’s a great way to unwind. Happy to say all of my children have taken after my dad and enjoy walking!