Tags
coffee, Dad, death, Diana Schwenk, family, grief, growing up, Hump Day Chronicles, love, memories, parents, Relationships
Do you, or did you ever, have someone in your life that you could spend hours with, never speaking a word?
I think when a relationship gets to that point, you’ve hit a level of comfortable-ness where the two of you are just happy to be in each other’s company.
When I was school-aged, I would get home about 30 minutes before dad who liked to enjoy a nice cup of instant coffee after a long day’s work.
I had the timing down to an art. Dad was one of those people who seemed to live within a specific routine. Maybe that’s why he was always a source of comfort to me. No matter what else was going on at school, in the world, wherever, I could count on dad to do and be exactly where I knew he’d be.
So at the exact right time, I would plug the kettle in and when he’d walk in the door, I’d be making his coffee with one level teaspoon of sugar and a bit of milk. After our initial greetings we would sip coffee together quietly; dad doing one thing and me doing another. Neither of us ever feeling pressure to fill the silence with words.
People wondered about us. Wondered why we didn’t talk and how we could be so in tuned to each other.
I still love my coffee. But I’m a brewed-pot-of-coffee kinda gal now. Yet for some reason, I found myself buying instant coffee one day, a few months after dad passed away. I know now that I was just looking for a way to be with him again. A cup of instant coffee seemed like the best way to do that.
Now on Sunday afternoons when I’m thinking of dad I make myself a cup of instant coffee.
At first I worried that I had nothing to say. And then I remembered we never really had a need to break the silence with words. He knew I loved him and I knew he loved me.
I will always treasure our quiet coffee-time memories Dad.
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Who’s one of your favourite people to spend time with? What do you like to do together? Is it something that you don’t do with anyone else?
elizabeth2560 said:
It is the little things that bring back the memories, isn’t it?
Hugs Diana … to you and your memories of your Dad.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes it is and thank you so much Elizabeth. ❤
Diana xo
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Sarah said:
I was afraid of thundershowers when I was young. One of my favorite memories with my dad is when he’d set up two chairs with a bowl of popcorn on the balcony and we watched the storms from afar!
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dianasschwenk said:
What a great memory Sarah. ❤
Diana xo
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Wendy L. Macdonald said:
Diana, I admire the gentle relationship you had with your dad. I’m noticing sweet rituals between my own daughter and her dad (my husband).
My favorite person to shop with is my daughter, but my favorite person to have a quiet cup of coffee with is my hubby.
Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy
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dianasschwenk said:
(smiling) The Father-Daughter relationship is a pretty important one Wendy. After all he is the first man to love her. ❤
Diana xo
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Wendy L. Macdonald said:
Good point, Diana. ❤
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roughwighting said:
You’re a lucky daughter. He was a lucky dad. xo
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. Thank you. ❤
Diana xo
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April said:
Looking at the moon and stars and not saying a word is what I shared with my dad. We didn’t have to say anything and I’m happy I still have the moon and stars to feel as if I’m with him.
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dianasschwenk said:
I’m so glad you have that too April. ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
These special memories are yours forever Diana. Beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Karen. ❤
Diana xo
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Sheryl said:
What a lovely tribute to your father!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Sheryl. ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
What a wonderful way to be with your dad Diana. I bet he loves it. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
(smiling) I hope so Colleen! ❤
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
Lovely memory and I guess it’s the little things that sometimes become the most important.
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dianasschwenk said:
It is the little things Lisa – I think I’ve always known that. ❤
Diana xo
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lisakunk said:
I can relate to so much of what you’ve said. With my dad and me, it was Banquet chicken pot pies after he worked late on Friday night. I have two in my freezer now even though it’s one of the few things I can make from scratch a people come to get some. I cover the frozen ones with black pepper just like he did.
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww Lisa, I love how you cover them with black pepper just like he did. *hugs* ❤
Diana xo
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russtowne said:
My eyes glistened as a I read your heart-warming post, Diana. Thank you for sharing this glimpse into a special part of of your life.
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dianasschwenk said:
I’m so glad it touched a chord with you Russ – thank you. ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
Just lovely. So many simple moments that mean so much. Enjoy that instant coffee, Diana. ❤️
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dianasschwenk said:
I will, thank you Van. ❤
Diana xo
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Marta Frant said:
Today, due to all those screens and devices it’s not difficult to spend hours with someone without speaking a single word. But thisis a perfect moment when that spiritual connection is there.
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dianasschwenk said:
Very true Marta. Thank you so much for dropping by and taking the time to leave a comment. ❤
Diana xo
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Marta Frant said:
You’re more than welcome, Diana! Hugs
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Chuck said:
I must say your recent blogs have been very encouraging. Keep up the great work
Chuckster
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dianasschwenk said:
(sminling) Thanks Chuck! ❤
Diana xo
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George said:
That’s a great memory of your dad and the kind of relationship that’s very special. You’re right about the kind of relationship where words aren’t necessary. Sometimes just being together is enough..:)
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes it was enough for sure, George. ❤
Diana xo
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Jim McKeever said:
What a nice memory, and a fitting way to celebrate your dad. Great stuff, Diana.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Jim, I have so many beautiful memories. ❤
Diana xo
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Louise Gallagher said:
What a beautiful story Diana and what a loving way to remember and to connect. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
I miss him. Thanks Louise. ❤
Diana xo
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