Saturday, June 20, 2009

Heartfelt for Dad...

Father's Day is tomorrow, and I feel extra grateful this year to have my dad around! He gave us quite a scare back in March. As JP and I were practically out of reach on a beach in Mexico, my dad was fighting for his life! His heart, as we knew was only ticking on one of three wires, but when that third wire began to fray, he knew something was wrong. Little did I know of the panic as mom frantically emailed me updates. Once I learned of the scare, I opened each note with one eye closed, afraid to read something dreadful. Fortunately, he had an emergency pacemaker implanted, and his heart began to beat to a steady rhythm again... What a relief and a blessing it was that my brother was able to take over the wheel and drive my dad to the nearest ER. Last week, I was able to visit with my parents as they stopped in to visit us here in Colorado. I gave my dad a big hug, so happy to see his smiling face and feel his warmth.



Of course, I only found it appropriate to make him a little something special and heartfelt.. Take a peek at the one of kind black cat shaker that JP helped me make. She too "ticks" so to speak.... You'll see what I mean. Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Love,
Johanna


* We're "cat people" if you hadn't noticed :-).. so I made this small one of a kind black cat appropriately holding a rustic heart for my Dad's Father's Day gift.... He loved it!


* Mom loved it too as I painted this little cutie in a redware motif, one of her faves. Give this kitty a little shake, and she ticks and rattles and reminds us to never take our hearts for granted...


* And she rattles because we filled her with little noise-making rocks and trinkets, and JP drilled 5 holes to release that fun, rattling sound...

* © 2009 Johanna Parker Design * Black Cat Shaker photos are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.
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15 comments:

Halloween Fanatic said...

Very sweet! Happy Father's Day Mr. Parker!

Trish said...

Johanna,
I am truly touched by your story and I am so thankful it had a very happy ending. The piece you made him is so beautiful. I know you feel lucky for the wonderful parents you have and I also know they feel the same about you! What a meaningful Father's Day gift for your dad. Blessings to all of you.

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

you did a wonderful job on that kitty..but then I love all your kittys..glad you got to see your dad and that he is doing better..:)

DellaRae said...

You are so lucky to have your father. I lost mine at twenty-six...but those were twenty-six years of wonderful memories that I hold in my heart...your present is so appropriate.

Carolee said...

A *heartfelt* Father's Day gift, indeed! What a blessing he's OK now....I lost my own Dad to heart problems 30 years ago, and was so grateful last year when my husband was saved thanks to technology that's now available to heart patients. Wishing your Dad a very Happy Father's Day, and many more to come!

~ Carolee

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Enjoy Father's day & Sunday hugs!

What a lovely gift. '-)

Chris (-:

Old World Primitives said...

I am so glad that your Dad's story has a happy ending - and the Father's Day gift you made him is truly beautiful and special!

Stephanie

Breathing In Grace said...

I love that your gift to your Daddy is 1 of 1....no duplicates!! Glad your Dad is doing well!!!

Andrea said...

It is heartwarming to see that you and your Dad can enjoy each other so much! I am a "Daddy's Girl" too, although my Dad is wearing his angel wings now.

Thanks for sharing your art!
Andrea

Anonymous said...

Dear Johanna,
I am lucky and thankful to still be here and to be your Dad. This will be an unforgettable Father's Day, following my events earlier this year. Thank you so much for your sweet message, it is very touching. I love you both, and your gift is very special.
Love,
Daddy

Cat (darklingwoods) said...

So glad you and your Father have each other, lovely post (and such a sweet kitty!)

and... my package arrived today my dear and he is beyond wonderful, My girls and hubby all crowded around as I opened the cute packaging and we all oooohhed and awwwwed! I'm a lucky girl! I'll be sure and blog about him as soon as I can snatch a little time!

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Looks like you had a great time with your parents and what a lovely Father's Day gift!

Beverly said...

I am so happy that all turned out well with your dad. It's scary when our loved ones are on the brink. And what a great gift you made for his special day. :)

Valarie said...

What a beautiful gift you gave your Dad. I live in Golden Colorado, don't you just love it here? Have a lovely day.
Valarie

Carole said...

I just had to stop by and tell you how much I love the cat you made for your dad. What a little treasure and so meaningful.
Carole