Three years ago Tuesday, my dad passed away. That is actually what began me blogging in April 2011; I needed an outlet to remember and express and show others a glimpse of who I am, vulnerably. One of my mentors suggested I create a legacy for my father, recognizing how he is living on within me. As my mother stated, this is a living document, one that can be added to as time goes on and I come to a more full realization of the ways I was blessed to be the daughter and youngest child of Robert Zimmerman. This is one of my favorite photos of him. It brings me joy to see him interacting with his only son, teaching him (probably very particularly) how to paint. Of course, he is rocking the flannel and someone stuck my brother in a T-shirt that is larger than his body and it makes me smile. The Legacy of My Father
...He taught me that college isn't all about getting a major and getting out. He wanted me to travel, learn new and interesting things, and have experiences that help me to better understand others. ...He taught me to work hard, mulching gardens, cleaning windows inside and out, planting trees and gardens. ...He taught me how to rest and the importance of having slow mornings. ...He taught me sacrifice, spending weekends caring for his parents and waking up early on Sundays to spend time with my mom before any of us were awake. He was NOT a morning person. ...He taught me how to laugh heartily and wholly and that almost any situation calls for humor. Even funerals. ...He taught me respect, especially for the elderly, people with disabilities and their families, and the military. ...My dad gave me his stubbornness, which can be both a gift and a curse. ...He passed on his love of cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. ...I will take my family on fall hikes and on adventurous vacations because of my father. ...He taught me that Sundays are days for family. ...He instilled in me a love of biking, camping, and seeking mountains. ...My dad taught me about photography and gave me my first 55mm, but the greatest gift he gave me in this was his encouragement that I could and should pursue this art. ...He gave me his love of doing projects, though he always did them with much more patience than I have. ...He taught me to wear clothes until they had holes in them... and then to keep wearing them. ...He taught me to dress up and look nice as a way to celebrate and bing others joy, not as a way to draw attention to myself. Though he did tell me I looked beautiful every time I dressed up and sometimes even when I didn't. ...My dad gave me a love of flannel. He is wearing a flannel shirt in probably 80% of the photos I have of him. ...He taught me that after 7:00pm, you should always have curly hair. (Only my sister will understand this) ...He taught me the power of giving up personal desires for the benefit of those he loved, such as quitting smoking for good when I was four years old. ...Although it took until I was about 16, my dad showed me that it is good for men to cry. ...My dad taught me that sometimes forgiveness comes in it's best form just resting in the other's arms.
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December 2022
I'm guessing I'll have it all figured out by the time I turn 30.
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