In early August, after my last blog post, it became apparent that my builder was not going to meet his completion deadline. After deciding to postpone the opening until next year, my father’s health took a sudden turn. The last two weeks have been a blur as my family gathered in Lancaster to care for my dad and support my mom.
One of the major influences in my life has been my father. My dad was diagnosed with a rare aggressive cancer in 2012. No one had survived this cancer more than two years. My dad’s response was two fold. First, he said “I’m not average.” Typical dad. Second, he said ”I am going to be thankful for the time that I have had, instead of ungrateful over time I may not have.”
Against all odds he lived another decade — beautiful years full of his grandchildren’s sports events, concerts, graduations, weddings, births of great grand children and travel. He loved his family. He loved life.
My dad was also a very successful entrepreneur — honest, hardworking, courageous and visionary. He started with selling Easter flowers and Christmas trees and ended with a collection of businesses across several industries in multiple states. A source of great knowledge and wisdom, he also mentored many people in life and business, including me.
My father encouraged my dream to open a gallery promoting quilts as art. We spoke of business models and revenue streams. On days when I wondered, “Who am I to open a gallery?” My dad would say, “Wouldn’t you rather try and fail, than have never tried at all?” In one of our final conversations I told him, “Opening the gallery is going to change my life.” He said, “I know.” He always encouraged me to have courage. Dream BIG! Take the risk. Life is more fun when you join in the conversation. I will miss him.
The huge live oak trees I saw at Audubon Park, New Orleans in 2021 reminded me of my dad. He was a man of great stature in many ways, but especially in his faith in God. For 58 years I have sheltered under my father’s limbs. On September 10, 2022 my father passed from this life into eternity. He was the inspiration for the work below that is pieced, but not yet quilted.
Live Oak Portrait of my Father work in progress begun 2021
approximately 7 feet wide by 4 feet tall
“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.” Psalm 52:8