My father Colin Kick at the ANZAC memorial
I just finished watching some commemoration videos live of ANZAC Day in Australia and I’m so thankful my children were able to see some of them too. My father passed away on this day back in 2003 and I wrote a post about that here. It remains the most difficult post I have ever written but the one I’m most proudest. My father – like what this day represents was the most courageous man I ever knew. He didn’t take out any gun turrets or serve in any war, but the way he lived life and vigorously searched interest and common ground in others was something I hadn’t seen in another human being.
So today by writing this post marks my celebration of his life. A life shockingly short, but extremely influential with those that had the good fortune to cross paths with him. I remember when my brother and I were at ‘Little Athletics’ in our youth, my father was such a go-to person that all the other kids played rough and tumble with him and he is the only parent in my youth where I remember that happening to. Perhaps that frivolity is frowned upon now, but he reveled into just letting his guard down and kids sensed this aura about him and took a particular liking to it. That was my Dad!
Ah, it feels just so long ago that all happened. Almost so much so that I wonder if it happened at all. But it did and they were the days and this individual – my father enriched the lives of so many around him. When I finished my yoga session yesterday I felt compelled without even realising the significance of today that I had to project to him my ‘sunshine song’ which I have written about here. You see I almost always do it for a living person, but yesterday was different. I love you Dad!
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Matthew – this is a beautiful and moving tribute to your Dad – and by extension to the memories brought about on ANZAC Day. When people expose their heart it makes us like them even more. So stay brave in this not so brave new world! Bruce
Thanks so much Bruce for your kind words. It means a great deal.
That was written beautifully, Matt. It took me back to my father’s passing. Six months later my mom passed and I felt like an orphan. Like Bruce said it was a moving tribute. It sounds like he was an involved parent and a loving one.
We always have regrets, Matt… you have part of him with you with what he taught you personally and by example.
I’m sorry to read that both of your parents passed away so close to one another. That would have been really tough Max.
It means a lot to me to read your supportive words and that we are not in this alone.
It was a rough patch…within a 9 month span I also got laid off and Jen had a miscarriage…it was tough. Sounds like a bad country song.
No we are not alone…we take what they taught us and they are with us.
I can’t imagine what that was like you for you and your wife Max. The fact you guys got through that is testament to your characters. I congratulate you. Not many would have weathered that storm!
I felt bad for saying that because I didn’t want to steal the spotlight of your post but it took me back to that…thanks Matt…terrible time.
You shouldn’t have felt bad at all for saying that. On the contrary, It put things into perspective and I felt honoured to learn that great hardship you and your wife encountered. Thanks for opening up at this time. It means so much buddy.
Thanks for listening Matt and your touching post.
This written beautifully, Matt. I felt in every word your love for your father.
I can see that he lived a wonderful and fulfilling life. Surely, his existence was an inspiration to others.
Always take care!
I don’t know how I didn’t see your comment at the time of your posting. Your words mean a great deal! Thank you very much.