So Many Things Still Left Unsaid
Harvey L. Slatin
(August 17, 1915 – February 23, 2013)
Sadly, my father passed away less than two weeks ago, and already it feels like an eternity. There are so many things still left unsaid. So many things I wished I’d said to my father; questions I wish I had asked, and so many places I wish that we could have gone together.
Dad, if you can read this, I’m sorry that we never got the opportunity to take that all-American trip across the country, and that you and I never managed to have that around-the-world adventure that you talked about for the past few years before you passed away. I want to thank you for being the kind of father that all my friends wished they had. The kind of father that my friends considered cool.
Dad, you worked your entire life to make sure that mom and I would always have the good things in life, and you insisted that I get sent to the better schools in town so that I would have the best chance at life that you could possibly give me. I wish that I had let you know how much I appreciate all that you have done for me before it was too late. Most of all, I want to thank you for always believing in me, no matter what.
You gave me my first camera. And then my second camera. And pretty much every camera that followed, along the way. You encouraged me to write, to start up my own website. You taught me everything I know about Science. Above all else, always encouraged me to stay productive as possible and in doing so, my life would be worthwhile.
It seems that once its too late, there are just so many things I wished I’d said, done, or experienced. Things that I never thought to do, say, or places I never wanted to go… Until now.
But most of all, I wish you were here. The last time I talked to you, you told me that you were not going to live forever. You were right; I wish we had more time.
6 Comments
wanda callagy
This is lovely, Thomas. It displays a wonderful closeness and I am happy for you that you have had that. No doubt, in time, your writing will be part of your healing. Take care. w
Thomas
Thanks, Wanda! I already have several posts lined-up that were inspired by my father.
Dick Woodhouse
Thomas you are a wonderful living Memorial to your Dad.
Take good care of yourself and your Mom.
Thomas
Thank you! That means a lot to me.
Teri schlobohm
Tom, That was so beautifully written and truly showed how much you thought of your very special dad. As the days go on you will think of and remember more memories to share. I pray that in your words you will find some comfort.
Teri
Thomas
Thank you, Teri! I put my heart in soul in everything I do or create, including my writing. Some day I’m going to look back and see how my father truly shaped my writing and photography career. For this and countless other reasons, I will never forget him and in writing about my time with him, I will hopefully keep his legacy alive.