In Memory of Marvin Jack

. Yesterday September 21, 2007 was the one year anniversary of my father's death. To honor and celebrate Marvin Jack Perry we, my family and friends, had an outside mass with dinner following at my sister's home. It was a perfect evening and Jodi's garden was beautiful. A perfect setting for a mass. I love this picture because of all the grandchildren front and center.
The grandkids, all eleven of them, were the sunshine of my father's life. Look at Dad smile in the middle of this huge pile/group of children. If I remember correctly several of the little ones were not happy about getting their picture taken. With this many children and mostly girls there was always drama. I do think part of the reason he loved the chaos generated by all the kids was because he was the youngest of eleven. . My Mother and Father had an amazing marriage. They were best friends and soul mates and would be approaching their 47 wedding anniversary. Here they are on their wedding day and another photo taken 45 years later.


The evening was wonderful. The weather, friends , food, wine, dessert and all were perfect. The best part was the stories.......
The more we talked about Dad and remembered all his antics the more we laughed.
I will share one of our families favorite photos...dad is posing here with my daughter Megan. Now Megan was and still is a high energy girl. Her feet hit the floor in the morning and she is on the go ready to face the day at 110 miles per hour. This morning 10 years ago Dad was not ready to face the world at Megan speed. He was moving very slow because he had been out late the night before.
Dad was an amazing person and he lit up a room just by entering it. Dad always had a smile and a great big bear hug for everyone.
I was an extremely lucky girl to have been blessed with such an inspiring, loving, jovial, father.
Thanks Dad.

Comments

[PixieDust]

What a blessing a wonderful papi is, no? You were indeed lucky to have him, as he was lucky to have such an amazing woman for his daughter. My thoughts are with you as you reflect upon your gentle papa and all the love you shared.

:-)

[kateri]

Thank you for sharing this very special day. What a beautiful, loving tribute and celebration to a wonderful man. I love what you said about your parents...AND the 'hangover' story... GREAT photo! What treasures you have for memories. I'm so sorry you lost your dad...but it seems like your family understands how to carry on with him always in your hearts.

[susanna]

Oh...your father was a very lucky man. He was surrounded by so much LOVE. And what a nice way for you and your family to remember him.

My father died almost 17 years ago although it doesn't feel that long ago. Sometimes love and grief live just below the surface of the skin and it's easy to fill with tears when I think of him. Several years ago, I did a photo series inspired by the Mexican celebration the Day of the Dead. In researching the celebration, I came across the belief that the soul has three deaths. The first is when the body physically dies, the second is when the soul leaves for heaven or whatever comes next, and the third and final death is when everyone who has ever known and remembers the deceased die. I like that idea. If that's the case, my father and yours will live on for years to come.

[AscenderRisesAbove]

what an adorable photo of your daughter and father. very sweet.