In Memoriam
Short stories September 18th, 2011
Today’s post is in honor of my father, who passed away on Friday, September 16.
Some of you may know the stories I’ve written about him on Junk Drawer, many about the trials and tribulations getting Dad set up with his tech toys and Internet access. The man loved his tech toys!
What you might not know is that I credit Dad with having given me his sense of humor. He always had a joke in his back pocket, many I heard for only the first time during his brief hospitalization. He had a million of them.
He always had a quick wit, a lending hand for those in need, and a smile for friends and strangers alike.
Dad loved his music, most especially the polka. He and Mom spent many weekends in the 80s and 90s traveling the polka dance circuit, both locally and around the country.
They were expert dancers and I’m not just saying that. Other dancers would clear the floor when they stepped out, so they could sit on the sidelines and watch the beauty of the polka done right. (And yes, there are really wrong ways to do the polka, and it ain’t pretty).
He loved our mother dearly. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past June. We were with him virtually round-the-clock in his last week, sharing his life stories, laughing loud and long. We yucked it up to his last day.
My father is responsible for my very first post to the Junk Drawer in 2007. I’d like to share it with you again. It’s a very long post, and please don’t laugh at how badly it’s written. I was so green then.
Pour a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy Adventures in Tech Support: When Your 82-Year-Old Father Wants to Be on the Bleeding Edge of Technology.
Love you, Dad.
Stumble it!






September 18th, 2011 at 8:20 am
I think this is the first posting of yours that I read…thanks for the great post and take care of yourself
September 18th, 2011 at 8:34 am
Sorry about your dad.
September 18th, 2011 at 9:01 am
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Kathy.
((((( Kathy )))))
What a wonderful tribute to such a fine man.
“He always had a quick wit, a lending hand for those in need, and a smile for friends and strangers alike.
You and I seem to have had the same kind of fathee. Yup, I also credit my dad with giving me my sense of humor.
You take care, my friend.
X
P.S. okay, I’m off now to read your post.
Ron´s last [type] ..Picture Parade Pt. 1
September 18th, 2011 at 9:37 am
My sincere condolences…
Grace´s last [type] ..Random thoughts with no further explication
September 18th, 2011 at 10:05 am
My deepest sympathies for your loss, Kathy.
My parents don’t polka, but they do love to dance!
I just read your first post. Long, yes. It also touched a nerve as well as my funny bone. I had that same notion and I bought my parents a computer, probably around the same time. After just one evening I thought I’d go out of my mind! The biggest difference is that my parents never did take to using the computer. About a year after sitting there accumulating dust, we brought it down to their local hospice, hoping that someone would get some use out of it. My one saving grace was that my mother at least LOVED the desk I bought to hold the computer!
My Dad will be 83 in December and my mother will be 77 next month. They moved in with me about 6 years ago and I am so glad I get to spend this time with them… except for every Sunday afternoon and the occasional Thursday night when my mother makes me take her to Bingo with the Biddies!
Barb @AgingGracefully-ish´s last [type] ..All things Oriental
September 18th, 2011 at 10:26 am
Aw. I don’t think I knew about your parents love of and proficiency for the polka. That’s a great photo.
And a great post. Your dad would be proud.
September 18th, 2011 at 10:30 am
I am so, so sorry for your loss Kathy.
Nicky´s last [type] ..What If…
September 18th, 2011 at 11:06 am
I’m back… because I needed to tell you that since I read this post I’ve had Beer Barrel Polka, Lawrence Welk and Bobby Vinton as today’s multiple earworms.
anna one, anna two…
Barb @AgingGracefully-ish´s last [type] ..All things Oriental
September 18th, 2011 at 11:23 am
I’m so sorry about your dad. It sounds like you were very god to him. I loved your story about your parents and technology; I’m going to refer to it every time I ill-advisedly contemplate getting my mother started on a computer. My father, on the other hand, trades tech supports with everyone in our family who uses anything that plugs in; he recently bought himself an iPhone and got on Skype.
By the way, in case you don’t recognize me, I came over from FeeFiFoto.
Again, please accept my condolences.
sharyn´s last [type] ..Welcome Home
September 18th, 2011 at 11:56 am
Oh Kathy. I am SO sorry.
My WHOLE HEART goes out to you.
Call/text/email If you need anything.
Beautiful tribute post to your father.
meleah rebeccah´s last [type] ..Lunch With Margaret Andrews, and, The Pulaski Skyway
September 18th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing, but so glad to know you were able to spend so much time with him. My Dad passed some years ago and we were not able due to his illness, to communicate. Treasure that week always, it was a great gift. Peace to you and your family, DJ
DJ´s last [type] ..Vulcan Logic Abounds
September 18th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Oh Kathy, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope they have Slingo in heaven.
“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” ~Emily Dickinson
Daisy the Curly Cat´s last [type] ..Another Pretty Dress!
September 18th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
I came to your blog in one of my google searches. I love your blog.
Then I decided to go to the home to see the latest post and saw this posy.
My condolences.
Sairam´s last [type] ..T shirt Quotes – I have one for you.
September 18th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Thinking of you and your family through this sad time. So glad you had that last week of laughter and love with your dad. They are the memories you’ll hold close in the coming months. x
Babs (beetle)´s last [type] ..Sofa conversation #5 – Coffee mugs
September 18th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Kathy,sorry for your loss. you and your family are in my prayers.
Mike Golch´s last [type] ..HEY ENTRE CARD MEMBERS
September 18th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
Perhaps if Death is kind, and there can be returning,
We will come back to earth some fragrant night,
And take these lanes to find the sea, and bending
Breathe the same honeysuckle, low and white.
We will come down at night to these resounding beaches
And the long gentle thunder of the sea,
Here for a single hour in the wide starlight
We shall be happy, for the dead are free.
~Sara Teasdale
My sincere condolences, Kathy.
September 18th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss, you have my sincere condolences.
ann´s last [type] ..What’s the fuss?
September 18th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Kathy, I’ve enjoyed all of your posts regarding your Dad. I always read between the lines and could tell just how much you love your dad and how proud you could be of any technological breakthroughs.
As the saying goes:”Don’t be sad that a life is finished, be glad that it happened”.
Carla´s last [type] ..Change is in the air!
September 18th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Oh, Kathy, I’m so very sorry that you lost your dad. He sounds like an incredible guy and how lucky you were to have him in your life! Sending you and your mom my deepest sympathies. Hugs to you and your family.
lin´s last [type] ..Kicking Off Marching Season
September 18th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
I am so very sorry to hear that your father passed away, Kathy. I am so glad you were able to spend his last days with him, and that you yucked it up together ’til the end. That’s the way to go. ((((((HUGS))))))
Carole´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday: Q-ee, Doin’ it Right!
September 19th, 2011 at 7:30 am
Hugs and prayers to you and to all you hold dear.
September 19th, 2011 at 8:21 am
Sorry, Kathy.
My sincerest condolences.
Stephanie Barr´s last [type] ..How I’ll Know I’ll Have Made It
September 19th, 2011 at 8:25 am
Aww, Kathy – My condolences. And {{{hugs}}} too. No matter how long a life they’ve had… it’s still a tough loss.
September 19th, 2011 at 9:04 am
This is a beautiful tribute to your dad, Kathy.
Margaret Andrews´s last [type] ..Timbre Alert: Blogger’s Voice Goes Missing in New York City
September 19th, 2011 at 9:27 am
Very sorry to learn you’ve lost your dad, but I’m very glad you got to enjoy a great one for so long!
September 19th, 2011 at 9:28 am
My deepest condolences on your loss, Kathy. This must be a hard time for you. But I’m sure your father will live on through all the wonderful memories you created together. My best to you.
Carla´s last [type] ..Make Your Own Clip Art Using Photos and Picnik
September 19th, 2011 at 9:55 am
Kathy – I remember reading that once before and I read it again. Please know that the memories will eventually make you smile more than cry. Time is a great buffer. The first year is the hardest.
I loved nothing more than dancing with my father when given the chance and he could polka with the best of them.
Goat hugs from all of us here.
Patty
Pricilla – Famous SpokesGoat´s last [type] ..Corn Season – We Love Husks
September 19th, 2011 at 11:26 am
I’m so glad you had this marvelous man in your life. And I’m equally glad he had you in his! I’m sorry for your loss. He really was special.
September 19th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Oh Kathy, I am so sorry to read this. My sincerest condolences. Take care.
Maureen´s last [type] ..I Forgive You
September 19th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
So sorry for your loss, Kathy. I know how difficult it is to lose ones parent(s). You were blessed with a great relationship with your Dad, and you have wonderful memories to see you through this. Healing takes time, so take time for yourself.
Linda´s last [type] ..Second Anniversary: Meet and Greet
September 19th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. I can tell by the photo (if, indeed, that is your dad) that he was an amazing dancer. You definitely inherited his humor gene. Blessings.
September 19th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Oh Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about your father!
What a beautiful post and tribute! I did read your first post, too. How wonderful that he was a part of this as well!
Love and hugs,
Ferd.
September 20th, 2011 at 1:16 am
I’m sorry to hear about your dad, and glad that you got to be with him and have such fun with your family that last week. My best thoughts to you and yours.
Impetua´s last [type] ..Kid Update!
September 20th, 2011 at 3:16 am
My sincerest condolences Kathy, I as read your tribute to your dad.I feel your great love for him. And i’m sure he’s happy in heaven.
Charisma´s last [type] ..Trouble Conceiving
September 20th, 2011 at 3:26 am
My sincere condolence goes to you. I know how it is to lose a loved one. What is good to know is that if the loved one led a good and happy life, and I think your dad did judging from how you wrote it on your post.
Kelly´s last [type] ..Switching gifts game
September 20th, 2011 at 7:01 am
My deepest condolences to you,,just take care of yourself and your father was always by yourside..
September 20th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your father.It is clear how much you loved him. My prayers are with you, your father, and your family in your time of grief.
Michael J. Kannengieser´s last [type] ..Shine a light on gun operation
September 21st, 2011 at 4:38 am
Kathy I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad sounds like so much fun — I wish you had video of your parents cutting it up on the dance floor. That’s awesome! Anyone who can grab the spotlight based on talent and charisma is fantastic with a side of awesome in my book.
You and your family will be in my prayers.
cardiogirl´s last [type] ..Isn’t a hunger strike just a temper tantrum for adults?
September 21st, 2011 at 5:56 am
I’m so sorry Kathy. My mom died two weeks ago. We didn’t have the relationship it sounds like you had with your dad, but I don’t think there is anything like losing a parent. It is still sinking in. Especially sad today on my birthday. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marie´s last [type] ..Fond Memories
September 21st, 2011 at 11:50 am
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He sounds like a great guy.
Jen´s last [type] ..9/11 – For A Brief Moment, We Were All Just Americans
September 21st, 2011 at 12:42 pm
I too am sorry for your loss. This is the first post that I am reading on your blog, so I don’t know too much about your Dad. I am though very sorry for your loss…from this article it seems that he had a great, fun loving personality. He sounds like my Dad in that they are both electronically challenged!
RIP
John@ new york deals´s last [type] ..Three Ways New York Coupons Help Save Time
September 21st, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Kathy, I’m so sorry about your dad. I can tell, from your stories about them, that your family is just wonderful–and it probably comes from being raised by such a great man. I will keep you, your mom, and your siblings in my prayers.
absepa´s last [type] ..Maybe you could cross-market the jerky to the stoners…
September 21st, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Thank you, everyone, for your good wishes and prayers. Today was very difficult and we’re all exhausted. But it’s been uplifting to read all your nice comments. I popped in now and then to read them and they made me happy. You’re the best!
My Dad always loved my blog. Sometimes he’d call me up just to say that such ‘n such a post made him laugh so hard. Even recently, he’d say “I love that talking dog post you wrote. That was the best one ever!” It’s nice to know that I could make him laugh like he did for me my whole life.
Thanks again for all your comments. Hope to be back to regular programming soon.
September 21st, 2011 at 5:06 pm
Kathy, I’m very sorry for your loss.
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:28 am
Sorry to hear that Kathy. Condolences. May he rest in peace.
RonLeyba´s last [type] ..Dress Up Games For Girls Who Love Fashion
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:56 am
I have very much enjoyed your posts about your dad, and commiserated with you since I have the same tech support situation with MY dad. He is 77, and tries to work on computers himself. He was a computer tech in the days of Fortran, and doesn’t understand why they don’t work the same anymore. We love them, they drive us crazy, and we miss them.
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Please accept my sincere condolences in the loss of your father. I lost my own dad a year ago. The memories of laughing with him are the most precious and comforting to me and I hope that they prove to do the same for you.
September 23rd, 2011 at 10:00 am
I can relate to your story because my father also has past away..I will keep you and your family in my prayer.. Accept my condolences..
jewel´s last [type] ..Five Steps Arizona Residents Can Take to Recover from Bankruptcy – Part Two
September 23rd, 2011 at 10:38 pm
One thing we now (sadly) share in common; the loss of a father. Another thing we share in common (happily) is a great love for the sense of humor that they bestowed upon us.
I’m sorry for your loss. It does get better with time.
September 24th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
I am so sorry for your loss.
Lanita´s last [type] ..Guitars and Titty Bars
September 24th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
I am speechless. My prayers are with you…. I wish I could help in some way. I lost my father about 15 years ago and have missed him every day since. But like your Dad… his sense of humor remains with me. I am so sorry – I just have no words.
Katherine´s last [type] ..You Can Dress Me Up
September 25th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
So sorry to hear this, Kathy. He sounds like a wonderful man. Thank you for allowing me a brief glimpse into his world.
September 26th, 2011 at 4:00 am
Sorry to hear about the loss… A great warm tribute to a loving personality…May his soul rest in peace.
Arti´s last [type] ..Temples along the way from Rishikesh to Haridwar
September 26th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful father. You have given a lovely tribute to a kind and funny man.
New Jersey Memories´s last [type] ..I Cutz Meh Hair
September 26th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
My sister has to find ways to keep our octo-dad off my site when my post is particularly filthy for the day. Not that she needs to protect Dad. But sometimes he asks her to explain, and it just doesn’t work.
Fred Miller´s last [type] ..Where Do Children Come From?
September 28th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Kathy, So sorry for your loss.
September 28th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Oh, Kathy..I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My Daddy was special, too..This is a sweet tribute to yours!
Bobbie´s last [type] ..Malachi on Thursday
October 2nd, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Dear Kathy,
I am sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is. I lost my father when I was sixteen. It was many years ago, but I think of him and my mother everyday.
I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
My blessings, your friend Catherine~
Catherine´s last [type] ..Three Cheese Stuffed Peppers with Spinach!!!
October 5th, 2011 at 1:22 am
I am sorry to ear this Kathy..We all know that it is not easy to accept but for me, you have to be strong always…
Keira´s last [type] ..There Is No Best Indicator for Forex, You Need Combination of Indicators
October 6th, 2011 at 11:40 am
I’m sorry for your lost Kathy, we know that it’s not easy but you have to be strong. This is a very great tribute for him. Be strong always.
Yvonne´s last [type] ..Unable To Get Pregnant
October 8th, 2011 at 1:05 am
you really must love your parents much since you really wrote about them. I know how it feel when a dad passed away. Dad are special people specially to his little girls.
October 11th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
People don’t dance the way they used to, but rest assured, that every time I hear a polka I will think of your dad.
Momo Fali´s last [type] ..We’ll Take What We Can Get
October 13th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
I’m sorry to hear that..Kathy, be strong always and you don’t have to worry because he is already at peace…
Nikkie´s last [type] ..Where Can You Find a Microsoft Driver Download?
October 18th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
I am sorry to hear about the lost…Be strong always because he will always at your side…
Tammie´s last [type] ..Xbox Game Testing Job
October 20th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
I so sorry for your loss. This is the first post that I am reading on your blog, so I don’t know too much about your Dad. I am though very sorry for your loss. from this article it seems that he had a great, fun loving personality.
Margaret´s last [type] ..career organizing