Thursday, December 4, 2008

Heaven's librarian

My dad was a librarian. He didn't always have that title. He was a son. A husband. A father. A grand father. A friend. A teacher. But at heart. He was a librarian.

He loved to read. He loved information. He loved triva. He loved how things connected. And intertwined. He loved to spark other people. To get them excited about reading. About information. About learning.He loved James Bond. John Wayne. Lord of the Rings. Military history. Raunchy jokes. Roast beef sandwiches with LOTS of mayo. Making chili. T-shirts with pockets. Grilling out. Being with his grand daughters. His cat, Buddy.He loved to fish. In the ocean. In a lake. In the everglades. And he even compared being a fisherman with being a librarian. Because he liked to reel the kids in with a story. With some fantastical trivia. Something. Anything. To get his students excited about books and learning.He loved Carl Hiaasen. Christopher Moore. Lee Childs. Douglas Preston. Mysteries. Science. Michael Crichton. College Football. And especially his Tennessee Volunteers. He liked to drive. To bird watch. Sometimes driving and bird watching at the same time. Which was a little scary if you were a passenger in the vehicle.

And then two years ago today. Everything changed. And those two years. Sometimes it feels like he has been gone forever. And sometimes I can't believe he is gone at all. Because when I think about him. I do picture him. In a library. That opens out onto a beach. The perfect heaven for my dad.

In loving memory.

FCS October 26, 1946 - December 4, 2006

post signature

Theme song: Sarah McLachlan - I will Remember you. Always. And. Forever.

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52 comments:

  1. Mrs AnneDecember 4, 2008 at 12:40 AM

    Many prayers for you and your father... make he be in Heaven leading the dewey decimal system classes and enjoy a good day fishing.

    :) remember the fabulous memories keeps his spirit alive within your heart.

    {{Big hug!!!}}

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  2. HeatherDecember 4, 2008 at 12:43 AM

    What a beautiful post, Kat. He sounds like a wonderful man and great father.

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  3. TiffanyDecember 4, 2008 at 12:46 AM

    Beautiful tribute.

    I've got a great dad too. We are lucky girls.

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  4. SherylDecember 4, 2008 at 12:56 AM

    what a beautiful tribute. cannot imagine how much you miss him! thanks for sharing your dad with us today.

    ~sheryl

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  5. LadyStyxDecember 4, 2008 at 1:07 AM

    Wonderful tribute....

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  6. KimmyDarlingDecember 4, 2008 at 1:10 AM

    I love this post. And I love that he was a librarian. My mom's mom was a librarian, and her sister is now. I still may end up one, someday.

    Coincidentally, my Mom died on December 6th, but in 1986. I'm sure she would have appreciated your Dad's interests. She loved books, and reading, and nothing pleased her more than seeing kids discover where books could take them. She loved fishing. She loved my Dad's chili, and she loved the Crimson Tide.

    Promise-honest, Kat, it gets easier. Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays-- they do get easier.

    I'll be thinking of you and your family today.

    Love,
    Kim

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  7. LindaDecember 4, 2008 at 1:53 AM

    When I was a little girl my daddy would take me to the library every week. We had a librarian who could have been your dad's twin! He would host readings for the kids ... adventure and history stories. Because of my dad, and that librarian, I developed a life-long love affair with books!

    May you always be blessed with fond memories of your dad ... and I look forward to meeting him someday in the ultimate library in heaven.

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  8. MsTypoDecember 4, 2008 at 2:29 AM

    What a wonderful tribute.

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  9. Lula!December 4, 2008 at 6:51 AM

    Oh, Kat...
    this was beautiful.

    And you look exactly like him!

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  10. Becky WDecember 4, 2008 at 7:19 AM

    Beautiful tribute! Prayers for you and your family today as you remember him, esp. today.

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  11. UnknownDecember 4, 2008 at 8:03 AM

    I stopped by to say hi from the sitsta's.
    I can see that your Father's legacy of love of books has been passed down to you. In that way, he truly lives on doesn't he?
    Have a great day.

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  12. TamDecember 4, 2008 at 8:20 AM

    OOO that was beautiful!


    Ps Tissue warning!

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  13. Jane In The JungleDecember 4, 2008 at 8:28 AM

    What a beautiful post. I'm sure he felt the same about you and your daughters. What a treasure he was for ya'll.

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  14. JenDecember 4, 2008 at 8:40 AM

    What a wonderful tribute to your father. I am sure his is happy in his heavenly library.

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  15. UnknownDecember 4, 2008 at 8:45 AM

    You remind me so much of my college roommate... she'd come back fom a test and just moan and wail about how she knows she flunked it... then 2 weeks later you'd ask her about it, and she got an A.

    You tell me you just don't have anything to blog, and don't have the words... and then I come and read your blog and honey, you FOUND the words. What a beautiful, wonderful, sweet tribute to a man i VERY MUCH wish I had gotten to meet. I'm SO thankful to know his wife & daughter and granddaughters, because it gives me a glimpse of him.

    Big hugs for you today sweetie. And do me a favor, give your mom one from me too, okay?

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  16. KoriDecember 4, 2008 at 9:37 AM

    Awww Sweetest post ever. I love you and big big hugs from me to you.

    And thanks for making me cry buckets again. But this was beautiful.

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  17. ChicagoLadyDecember 4, 2008 at 10:08 AM

    I think he would be very proud of how you are remembering him. Keep those memories alive, and he will always be a part of you. I only wish I had that many memories of my father to hold on to.

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  18. Mrs. SouthernDecember 4, 2008 at 10:14 AM

    Very sweet tribute to your Dad! Your memories will keep his leagacy alive and you do a wonderful job of sharing his story.

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  19. ElenaDecember 4, 2008 at 10:24 AM

    Sheesh, thanks for the tears. That was so lovely and the music was perfect. Your Dad looked like a wonderful person. Here's to him!

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  20. MichelleDecember 4, 2008 at 10:30 AM

    Oh that was lovely, truly and wonderfully lovely. I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man who touched many lives. Keep those memories close.

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  21. SusanDecember 4, 2008 at 10:36 AM

    Hugs to you today.

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  22. UnknownDecember 4, 2008 at 10:42 AM

    Well at least they got someone up there with great taste in authors! Oh, I'm crying...
    I'm so sorry for your loss. Wish I had had a dad like yours.

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  23. BrandyDecember 4, 2008 at 11:04 AM

    This is a beautiful post and tribute to a great man. I can see from your words that he was all you could ever want in a father.

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  24. Jennifer P.December 4, 2008 at 11:33 AM

    It's been almost 3 years since my mom died---and I feel the same way as you--like she'll just be coming over any day now.

    What peace is available to know that they're not really gone---just waiting until we have our turn to join them.

    Your dad sounds like a wonderful, smart, funny, life-loving man. He surely produced a like-minded daughter.

    Love from me to you,
    ~Jennifer

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  25. CarlaDecember 4, 2008 at 11:50 AM

    Blessings to you on this special anniv.

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  26. AubreyDecember 4, 2008 at 12:28 PM

    Ok! That's it! I gotta close my laptop. First Kori, now you...I'm a mess.

    This was a beautiful post in honor of your dad. He sounds like a lovely man. You were blessed!

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  27. rachel griffithDecember 4, 2008 at 12:31 PM

    awww.
    such a great post.
    a beautiful tribute to your daddy.

    thanks for sharing your memories.

    hugs.

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  28. AnonymousDecember 4, 2008 at 1:15 PM

    What a beautiful tribute to your father - what a wonderful life he led and what a beautiful soul. Sending warm thoughts across the miles

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  29. ShannonDecember 4, 2008 at 1:23 PM

    I can't say anything that hasn't already been said...

    Such a great tribute to your dad. {{{hugs}}} to you today!




    And seriously... how many more times can I cry today?!??!! Sheesh.

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  30. SkellerDecember 4, 2008 at 1:59 PM

    beautiful, touching, loving, sad and even funny tribute

    hugs and prayers for you and your family as you mourn and celebrate your Dad...

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  31. Alicia @ Oh2122December 4, 2008 at 2:01 PM

    Oh, honey. That was lovely.

    You are his greatest tribute of all.

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  32. BrittDecember 4, 2008 at 2:06 PM

    What a beautiful tribute, Kat .. many thoughts and prayers coming your way today, ma'am

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  33. Brian and StaciDecember 4, 2008 at 2:32 PM

    My thoughts are with you today and I will offer a special prayer in honor of your Father. Sounds like a spectacular man. It's so hard...nothing ever is really quite the same after losing someone so dear. Love the song. Hugs to you today!

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  34. AnonymousDecember 4, 2008 at 2:51 PM

    I know without question that you brought Fred millions of proud moment, as you continue to do so now. I am one of the lucky bloggers who knew your Dad, knew him well. and still can't believe he's gone. I've never known anyone just like him. we are learning Mah Jongg as a family on weekends, and I can still feel him sneaking a peak over my shoulder. I love you, cindy

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  35. Swirl GirlDecember 4, 2008 at 3:28 PM

    i.am.bawling.now.

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  36. RhondaDecember 4, 2008 at 4:15 PM

    Wow! What an awesome tribute to your dad! Well said.

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  37. jennifersusanDecember 4, 2008 at 4:23 PM

    Has your Aunt Elizabeth seen this yet? I'm sure she'll be emailing you telling you how wonderful a tribute this is. Your dad is very much missed.

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  38. AmyDecember 4, 2008 at 4:42 PM

    Big hugs to you.
    Tomorrow (the 5th) will be one year since my mom passed away. I will be blogging about it.

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  39. Tonya StaabDecember 4, 2008 at 5:14 PM

    What a beautiful tribute to your dad. What a wonderful man.

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  40. Finding NormalDecember 4, 2008 at 6:20 PM

    Wonderful tribute. What a dad!
    You have his eyes, I think.

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  41. RheaDecember 4, 2008 at 6:23 PM

    Your dad would have loved your blog, Kat. :o)

    I bet he's enjoying it from up above.

    This was a great post. He sounded like a wonderful person.

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  42. CarrieDecember 4, 2008 at 10:48 PM

    This is now my second visit because I thought for sure I could hold it together to come comment earlier, but it didn't work...

    I lost my Daddy four years ago and I still can't even talk about it without crying. So I mourn your loss and pray for more healing for both of us.

    Christmas was his favorite time of year because he dressed up and played Santa all over our little hometown. I just took the midget to see Santa tonight and I can't tell you how much I wish it would have been my Daddy under that beard!

    So to avoid further incoherent rambling, beautiful post Kat. Beautiful. So glad I found you.

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  43. Rachel AnnDecember 4, 2008 at 11:28 PM

    What a beautiful tribute to your Dad...blessings today!

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  44. RachaelDecember 4, 2008 at 11:50 PM

    What a lovely tribute to your father!

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  45. MariahDecember 5, 2008 at 11:40 AM

    So beautiful, I'm sure he is on the beach somewhere fishing and reading

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  46. KimmyJDecember 5, 2008 at 12:36 PM

    He is fishing, reading and beaming with pride over his daughter and grandaughters!!

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  47. TeriDecember 5, 2008 at 4:14 PM

    Hey Girl, I've been thinking about you all since that day. What a cool dad and husband he was. Thanks for sharing this beautiful tribute. Sending tons of hugs to you all.

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  48. UnknownDecember 5, 2008 at 9:19 PM

    What a beautiful tribute to your dad. :)

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  49. sassy stephanieDecember 5, 2008 at 10:21 PM

    Oh Kat, I love this post. Such a great way to showcase your love for such a great man! I love the "gone fishing". Perfect.

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  50. SusieDecember 5, 2008 at 11:01 PM

    What a beautiful tribute to your father. Thank you for sharing that.

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  51. DebbieDecember 9, 2008 at 9:33 PM

    Kat, That is now my very favorite post of yours. Very favorite.

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  52. DebbieDecember 9, 2008 at 9:33 PM

    Kat, That is now my very favorite post of yours. Very favorite.

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