#for dad

Today's my dad's birthday, he would have been 56 years old. I think about him every day, but of course today he's especially been on my mind; hard to believe it's already almost been four years since he passed, and this is something my family, his friends and I have had to nagivate this early on in our lives. Been also just thinking for a while now that we obviously don't know if there's any sort of afterlife out there, but remembering those who have passed on through stories, memories, things we associate with them, and anything between is a tangible means of keeping them 'alive', even long after they're gone. And that's something I've sorta internalized as a part of 'the meaning to life', y’know- to be someone that people want to remember and keep with them, living on even after I'm inevitably gone :)

Then I also have some photos below that I wanted to share: first is the original writing that dad did on the day of my high school graduation party in 2018, then the second is the tattoo I got of it in July of this year. It was on the same day I went to Saw the Musical with my amazing sister and some of my dearest friends, actually- so it was probably one of the most kickass days I've had recently, even with the resurfaced grief that was hanging over me. But I digress- I had to add the pine trees and night sky to my tattoo, for all the beloved cabin memories and his overall love of the outdoors. Then I had to get it on my drawing hand as well, since art is indeed the dream I'm chasing :)

This is all to say. Happy birthday, dad 💙

he loved the appalachian trail so if you feel so inclined, please donate in his honor. thank you

here is an animation i made for him for the last birthday we will ever celebrate together.

it depicts the housatonic river from where we'd always sit and watch it pass by on our annual hikes up the appalachian trail. the audio is a recording of the river i took while dad was at my side.

soon his ashes will be spread a mile and a half away from this river at silverhill campsite, our favorite place to stay when we backpacked along the trail.

happy birthday dad <3

i wish you could've made it to 67 and more. love you forever pops, rest well <3333

-

(for Dad, who knew how to conjure fun from thin air)

-

the ducks, always the ducks

sometimes squirrels

or pigeons

or gulls

sometimes swans

so graceful

with gentle beaks

with black feet

with mystical eyes

but the ducks

that's what i remember most

at lakes and ponds

at roadside stops

quacking and waddling

shaking their tail-feathers

always looking for a meal

-

“You always loved this time of year”.

😷🍂

Some of them are absolutely hilarious, and i highly recommend a quick read-through. Some of them are the classics - chocolate milk came from brown cows, etc. 

This one in particular i am posting here to show my dad, who is a pilot.