God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.
Voltaire
(a very young, 4 year old “Dad” ready to blow out his candles / Julie Cook / 2015)
Long before there was 2015. . .
Before there was a 9/11
Before there was Homeland Security
Before there was ISIS
Before there was Israel
Before there was Pakistan
Before there was a USSR
Before there was the People’s Republic of China
Before the baby Baltic States
Before there was a Desert Storm
A Vietnam
A Korean conflict
Before there was a nuclear bomb
A World War II
Before there was transatlantic travel
Before there was the passing away of a brother
Before there was a remarriage
Before there was the passing away of a wife
Before there was the passing away of a mother
Before there was a grandson
Before there was a granddaughter-n-law
Before there was the passing away of a son
Before there was a son-n-law
Before there was the passing away of a father
Before there was a daughter
Before there was a marriage
Before there was college
Before there was high school
Before there was elementary school
Before there were computers
Before there were cell phones
Before there were portable phones
Before there was television
Before there were DVDs, CDs, HD
Before there was digital
Before there was color, when the world was black and white
Before there was the 21st century. . .
There was a 4 year old boy who sat down before his birthday cake and began to blow out the candles on that March 10, 1932. . .a day that was full of the wishes of the hopes and dreams that have now spun the past 87 years. . .
Happy Birthday Dad
This is a fascinating way to write a memoir. Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Julie! I teach a 5 week Adult Enrichment course, called Mining Your Memories ~ Writing Family Stories here at a local college in the fall. Would you mind if I use your post today to share with my classes about this way of writing a memoir. I sure would appreciate it. Thanks!
I would be greatly honored 🙂
Thank you Julie 😊
I was a student in one of Andy Oldham’s class. The style was challenging initially, but it has become a favorite of mine. With your permission, I would like to enter a poetry contest using the style.
of course, and good luck! 🙂
Lovely tribute to your father Julie. I hope Saturday went well! Prayers and blessings.
we are in the middle of a mess–I’ll email in a day or so once Im home and not in Atlanta or on the the road–thank you for you prayers and love—julie
This is a great tribute for your father, and what a great opening quote! You’ve honored a man who has lived well, while inspiring each of us strive to do the same…
Great job on this!
Thank you John
I absolutely love this Julie. A fantastic tribute to your father. Blessings, David
How sweet, Cookie! What a wonderful tribute to your dad. Our parents saw so many changes in their lifespans! Hugs, N ❤ 🙂