To dad
The Childhood you and Mum gave, me has proved to be the foundation for the rest my life. Looking back, it was such a special time, growing up in Woodbeck with my brothers and sister, my life was filled with adventure and freedom, with high jinks & skinned knees, wide games, sports days, bonfire nights and cricket in the Garden. Always family holidays, always food on the table.
You taught us so much, sometimes formally, like the piano lessons so successful with Julian and Neil. I thought it was such a win for me, when they and then I, finally broke you and the lessons stopped. I have long since realised it was my loss, I wish I had been an easier pupil, I heartily wish I could play a musical instrument. Barbara can play too now, so I remain the only non-musical sibling (unless you count Karaoke and singing rugby songs, I guess that’s a no then)
Sometimes your lessons were less formal, like when we helped with “Dad projects” - building ponds, patios, fences, working on the car including that engine rebuild we did. Looking back, I’m not sure how you knew how to do these things, you like Mum come from a medical background, but somehow you taught yourself then taught me.
As a small child, I never really knew you, you were just, “My Dad” As I got older, I got to know you through the projects we did, as I moved from “helping Dad” to “working with Dad”, and you so skillfully moved it on to “me helped by Dad”. Some kids are cash rich & time poor, I never felt that way.
All your four children have ended up being very practical & independent people. The foundations you and Mum gave me, helped me pass my exams, find a direction, get a career and have helped put food on my family’s table ever since. You are a much-loved Dad and Grandfather.
Thank You Dad
Rob.
Rob Pickersgill
08/11/2019
