Victoria Ponders

Hello, Dad!

My dad passed away just a few days before Father’s Day in 1997, after we’d just been on vacation with him. I share more in my Heart of the Matter post today – about remembering my wonderful papa on Father’s Day…and every day…but here? I’m letting the photos tell the story, especially a couple of treasured snaps that show Grandpa with our dear daughter. Oh, how inseparable they were. ❤

Happy Father’s Day today to fathers everywhere and to those who provide the strength, wisdom and support…whether you refer to yourself as father, papa, dad…or not.

Vicki 🥰

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Victoria

Hi — I’m Vicki and I’m a big believer in the power of connection – taking time to share what matters most. I love pondering…thinking about work, family and home life and I enjoy blogging about all of it. Cheers!

34 responses to “Hello, Dad!”

  1. Watering the Fence – The Heart of the Matter Avatar
    Watering the Fence – The Heart of the Matter

    […] I saved the Chicago Tribune clipping from June 15, 1997, and put it in the album I made to remember my dad – especially the sun-filled days we spent with he, mom mom/Sue and Lisa while on vacation at their home, just a week before he died.  I have many fun photos of him with our DD (dear daughter) who was not quite three-years old at the time.  We had no idea time was so very short.  (Pop over to Victoria Ponders to see a few pics from a week before we lost him.) […]

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  2. Julia Preston Avatar
    Julia Preston

    Darn – my emoji’s are broken! I was going to send a bunch of 💕’s, but I can only squeak out one. So, 💕’s times many!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      I’m grinning! Broken emoji’s? That would be a major disaster for this overly emoji-prone girl! LOL! No worries — I feel every single one of those lovely hearts. Thank you, Julia! Big hugs to you! 🥰🥰🥰

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  3. drgeraldstein Avatar
    drgeraldstein

    An imposing figure. I imagine he had a strong presence, Vicki. Here’s to your father!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you! Yes…all 6’4″ of him…imposing strength…with a marshmallow, squishy center. Here’s to you on Father’s Day, dear Dr. Stein! 🥰

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  4. 100 Country Trek Avatar
    100 Country Trek

    HAPPY FATHER’S DAY WITH YOUR DAD IN HEAVEN. MY DAD IS IN HEAVEN .

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you so much, Anita…all the best to you! 🥰

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  5. Jane Fritz Avatar
    Jane Fritz

    Hear, hear!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      🥰🥰🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. linnie Avatar
    linnie

    so very steve mcqueen (that 1st photo!). beautiful photos for father’s day. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Linnie…you are cracking me up. My dad would’ve LOVED your comment. Thanks much for stopping by to share. xo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Wynne Leon Avatar
    Wynne Leon

    Strength, wisdom, support – what a great combo! Happy Father’s Day to your dear dad – and all the fathers out there!! ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Wynne! 😘

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Wynne Leon Avatar
        Wynne Leon

        ❤ ❤ ❤

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  8. Awakening Wonders Avatar
    Awakening Wonders

    He looks like a relaxed superhero!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Ahh! Thanks for that, Mary! I think you’re right! 😎

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. E.A. Wickham Avatar
    E.A. Wickham

    Your father was a husband big man. And as you say a warm heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. E.A. Wickham Avatar
        E.A. Wickham

        💕

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  10. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Missing our wonderful fathers is quite hard and harder on Father’s Day.
    Great photos of your father… and sending you a big hug.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Nancy! Hug received…and here’s one back to you! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Nancy Avatar
        Nancy

        Thank you! I felt it!🥰

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          Yay! Have a wonderful day! 😎

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  11. WritingfromtheheartwithBrian Avatar
    WritingfromtheheartwithBrian

    What great pictures! Love them. You mentioned that he died after you saw him on vacation, i hope that was a great and memorable trip. A beautiful post. Happy Father’s Day to your dad!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you so much, Brian. Yes — it was an amazing vacation…we just had no idea that time was that short. 💕
      xo! Hope you had a terrific Father’s Day! 😊

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  12. Mark Petruska Avatar
    Mark Petruska

    Aww, Vicki…what terrible timing.

    Or maybe it’s actually very good timing, considering that you got to celebrate Father’s Day and go on vacation together. In any case, this is a great tribute.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Yes, yes – you’re right – it was a good thing – not knowing he would pass away soon after. A gift to have been with him right before. Thanks much, Mark. 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Mark Petruska Avatar
    Mark Petruska

    Oh, dang…it was right before Father’s Day. I’m so sorry. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      💕

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      Reply
  14. Todd Fulginiti Avatar
    Todd Fulginiti

    Love the pics! 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thanks, Todd — hope you had a great Father’s Day! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Todd Fulginiti Avatar
        Todd Fulginiti

        Thanks- it was good! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          🥰

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  15. Felix Lucky Avatar
    Felix Lucky

    You have reminded me of my late father 🥺

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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