George Wood is a photograph by Karen Adams which was uploaded on December 12th, 2013.
George Wood
I wish you would have known him, because if you had, he would be your friend. Dad never considered anyone a stranger. He talked to everyone. He... more
by Karen Adams
Title
George Wood
Artist
Karen Adams
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
I wish you would have known him, because if you had, he would be your friend. Dad never considered anyone a stranger. He talked to everyone. He would know your name. He would remember your name. He would ask about your family, your life and the next time he would see you, he would call you by name and continue that conversation. He was friends with cleaning people, with construction workers, with clerks and receptionists, even though he had been the executive in top companies. He walked with God and lived by one rule, to love his neighbor. He did not judge others, although he had strong beliefs.
He was generous. He was a gifted artist. He painted beautiful paintings, He etched and drew wonderful pastel images. On a trip to Wales with Mom, he fell in love with our heritage and the art of carving Love Spoons. It became a passion of his even though he fought terrible tremors in his hands. Somehow he carved magnificent works of art out of pieces of wood. Then he would give them away; to his doctor on his retirement, to a choir director, to ministers, to friends and to his brother on an anniversary just to name a few.
He LOVED golfing. He loved singing and sang in church choirs. He acted in church plays. He square danced. He loved playing pool with his new friends at their retirement community. He invented and carved a wood device to help steady his hand and the shaky hand of a friend to help their game. He loved painting a new Christmas scene on their big picture window every year for many of the past 50 years. He loved creating, inventing and helping anyone who needed help.
In 1979, he and my mom rented out their house and lived for a year at Henderson Settlement in Kentucky. They were substitute house parents for teens who, for one reason or another, could not live with their own families. It was demanding to say the least. The birth of their first grandchild pulled them back home, but for many years they would stage "Christmas in July" at their church to gather gifts to take back for those kids. When the Mississippi River flooded, they went off with a group to help. They would always help where ever help was needed.
He loved his dog, Beau, who he walked twice a day for 14 years, no matter the weather, no matter if dad wasn't feeling well. They walked. When Beau died, Dad slowed down. He had a stroke three months later that took away his ability to speak. In his mind he remembered everyone, but he could not come up with their names or even his own! He worked so hard with his therapist and was able to draw pictures and finally get out some words to communicate. He was so worried about my mom and the care she was getting, now that he wasn't taking care of her himself. When he would see old friends he would hug them and say "I love you!" He did love everyone, but most of all he loved my mom. We got them all settled in Assisted Living and he knew she was going to be ok. He died 13 days later.
He was a wonderful man, I wish you could have known him!
Uploaded
December 12th, 2013
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Comments (14)
Lyric Lucas
I am in tears your story touched my heart deeply! It brought back wonderful loving memories of my sweet kind gently father. I'm sure if our fathers were alive today they would have a lot in common and would love to have met each other! Your fathers spirit comes through in your portrait and your precious memories!
Karen Adams replied:
Thank you so much, Lyric....I'm so sorry for your loss. there is such a big place in the heart of a daughter for her wonderful father, and it seems to never really heal...
Laurie Search
He sounds like an incredible man, Karen, and I wish I could've known him, too!!! :))) And this is such a wonderful portrait of him...you really seemed to capture his spirit!!!! Big hugs, Karen!!! :)))fv
Anne-Elizabeth Whiteway
Karen, I wish I could have met your dad. He sounds like such a wonderful, caring gentleman. Your description touched my heart. He seems so much like my own dad who had such a kind and gentle spirit. I know you miss him so very much as I miss my dad as well. Blessings to you always. LF
Tessa Fairey
You father sounds like a wonderful loving, caring man, who love life and who was loved by all! So sorry for your sad loss Karen! v/f
ABeautifulSky Photography
So very sorry for your loss Karen--he sounds like such a wonderful man and a wonderful dad.
Nancy Kane Chapman
Dear Karen, I'm so sorry that your Dad passed away. It was so good of you to share him with us because he was such a special person and I loved meeting his kind soul, his generous heart, his loving nature, his talent and compassion for others. And for your Mom, especially. I'm sending my sympathy and a big hug. You were blessed to have such a wonderful Dad.
Sandi Mikuse
Oh Karen...what a most beautiful and heart warming description of your father. The world was truly gifted to have him in it. People like him are rare jewels...I certainly wish I had known him...although somehow after reading your words, and seeing his kind eyes I feel in some way that I did. Bless you and your family my dear....L