124 years ago yesterday, my dad was born.
My family and most of my friends know that he died when I was just an infant. When I was born, my parents were older than the age most parents are when they welcome a new baby. They already had two teenage daughters when I came along.
My dad celebrated his last birthday here on earth when I was just a little over a month old.
So obviously, I have no memories of him. I have a few old family photos, but none of him holding me, and none of us in the same picture. (I hold out hope that someone in the family may have one, and that, someday, it will find its way to me.)
Daddy was born in this little house less than a quarter mile from my childhood home. This house was destroyed by lightning many years ago. Thankfully, I stopped in the driveway one day prior to that and snapped this picture.
This is the earliest photo of him that I have. Mom gave me a chair from this set; I like to think it’s the same one. If you look closely, you’ll see that he’s standing on grass. I was told that photographers would come around, offering to take photos for folks. They didn’t have ‘flash’ ability, so indoor photography was rare. People would bring chairs and other furnishings outside as props for the photos.
Although pictures from that era were usually black and white, Mom told me that she had this one ‘colorized’ for me, so I’d have a picture of my dad.
And somehow I happened to come across this photo.
Following a comment by my dear friend, Donna, I edited my post to add this photo of my mom and dad. I’m thankful to have a couple of photos of the two of them together.
From what Mom and others have shared with me through the years, Daddy was a quiet, hard working man.
Happy Birthday, Daddy.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
happy birthday to your born long ago dad
What a loving tribute to your Father. The few pictures you have a great representations of his life. Young and older.
Sad you have no pictures with you or your mother (I am guessing since not shown).
Bittersweet loving post.
Love the happy picture of your parents!! And I am so glad you got a picture of his birthplace.
Beautiful job!!
What treasures those photos are! So glad you have them! My father’s dad died when he was a baby, and I remember how he treasured the couple photos he had of his dad. I now have them and am so happy about that.
What a sweet post. I love looking at the pictures and wondering….I’m sure you were such a blessing to your Mom – and sweet reminder of your Dad. I know you treasure your pictures.
So much to cherish here! So thankful that you were able to find these photos of him.
Having never had the chance to meet him, I’m always glad to see pictures of him ….
I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating. Every time you post pics of your dad, I always see Marshall♥ There is such a strong resemblance!
What a beautiful tribute to you Daddy on his birthday. So happy you have the wonderful pictures to treasure.