Friday, June 19, 2015

NEVER SAID GOODBYE - FATHER'S DAY 2015

FATHER’S DAY 2015

My dad passed away 14 years ago, at the age of 80.

How do you say goodbye to someone who was here for you always? Who was your best friend, protector, mentor and playmate. Who taught you to drive and fish, to wield a hammer and screw driver, to care for your pets and how to love others. Who modeled work ethics and honesty, believed in equal treatment and responsibilities of all, and how to make the best chocolate drink ever.

Dad was a gentle soul. I don’t remember ever hearing him raise his voice. He was generous with his hugs and praise. Choosy about his friends. Protective of his wife and children. At only 5’6”, dad was small in stature, but in my world he was a giant. He could move mountains and fix almost anything. He meant the world to me. I still feel his influence in my daily life and pass his advice on to my children, grandson, friends and colleagues.

And, so, I never really said goodbye.

Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is New York and New Jersey licensed social worker, adoptive mom and advocate for ethical adoption practice. She has prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled adoptive parents and parents-to-be, and has trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was Director of the Ametz Adoption Program from March 1992 to March 2015. She is Head Writer for Adoption.net, on the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood and has a private practice in New York City. She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001, Follow or reach her at ADOPTION MAVEN BLOG or EMAIL.