Sunday, June 19, 2011

Keys from Dad


The key is to keep company with people who uplift you,
whose presence calls forth your best.
~ Epictetus


Some time around my senior year of high school, my dad handed over the keys to my first car.  A magic car it was!  An old brown Toyota hatchback  that had seen better days, bought for a whopping $100!  Magic because not only could it be started with any key, but the keys could actually be taken out of the ignition while driving and the car would keep running! 

As I was thinking of what to draw for my Father's Day post, I was thinking about the symbol of keys... how my Dad has been there to hand over important keys in my life... my first car, my first apartment (and all the apartments after), my education, my marriage.  But it's not the unlocking of the key that is not the most important thing my Dad has given me through the years.  Handing keys over has also a been a promise to  "be there afterward" --- when  I make mistakes or get in over my head in the place that was unlocked.  Helping me handle a car accident or a nasty landlord, a frustration in a relationship,  or a workplace conflict... these are the real ways fatherhood has been shown.. not just graduations and weddings and driver's licenses. 

To my dad and to all men who lend a hand in difficult times...

Happy Father's Day!


This drawing is my participation in this week's Sunday Sketches hosted by The Blue Chair Diary.  Stop on by to see other sketches by artists today!


13 comments:

  1. I'm tearing up at all these lovely father's day tributes. I think you have really summed up what being a father is all about. Thanks.

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  2. ah dad's are special. I remember mine teacher me to drive, a truly memorable experience which I look back with a giggle and a shudder as I remember all the pot holes I managed to hit :)
    A wonderful key drawing.

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  3. Wonderful sketch!Perfect Post! Special tribute and memory! LOVE IT!

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  4. such a lovely post that honors the gift of men and fathers.
    Your keys are wonderful.

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  5. This is a wonderful tribute to your dad, and the key drawing is great. I was not fortunate to have a good relationship with my dad so when I read about ones like yours it makes me happy to know others had such positive relationships.

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  6. What a wonderful piece - had a tear in my eye too. Great drawing - especially the ring - it looks completely real.

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  7. YAY, glad you are back! What a beautiful sketch and thoughtful post!

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  8. A beautiful sentiment and the drawing is so well done I thought it was a photo at first. But of course, it is much better than a photo!

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  9. Beautiful story and wonderful sketch! Lucky you to have such a wonderful father!

    Smiles

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  10. Love this post and your memories of you dad. The keys are wonderful too!! :-)

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  11. This is really wonderful. I tried to think of doing something in honour of my dad too but have been missing him so much lately that I just didn't. I think your post sums things up beautifully.

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  12. haha...now THAT is a magical car!! hee hee Welcome back to SS! Always enjoy your sketches!!

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  13. A beautiful and touching tribute to your Dad.

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Your thoughts are a blessing to me!

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