Spending Daddy's Day Without Dad? - Some Inspiration

"Robert Lee James"
©Antonia Ruppert
Graphite on Paper

This is all still new to me. This spending Father's Day without my Dad.  I know my friends LaTanya, Laura and Bruce can relate....

Perhaps this is the path for you too this Father's Day.  In any case, I want to invite you into this moment with me--this inspirational/celebratory moment.

Remembering the Inspiration
First, I recall as a young girl watching Daddy come home from a hard days work and draw.  I was delighted by what he would create with just a pencil, paper and eraser. I thought to myself that one day, I’d like to draw like that too.

Remembering the Celebration
Second, I remember how over the years, I utilized Daddy or the feelings about him for creations.

"Real Men Read" - Markham Public Library, Markham, Illinois
Latex and Acrylic Paint on Wood 
(Bench Constructed by Ursich Construction)

"Daddy Daughter Day"
©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor

"For Lauren"
© Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor
18x24

For the "Real Men Read" bench for the Markham Public Library in Markham, IL, I utilized photos of my Dad for the figure on the right. Additionally, this painting, "Daddy Daughter Day" shown below shares a closeness I experienced with my Dad growing up.

After completing the painting above, I received these words on my Facebook page:

My name is Lauren... and my mom is Mia...I wanted to thank you for the BEAUTIFUL painting of me and my dad. It was so special. I couldn't have dreamed a better birthday gift...It's brought me to tears a few times already and I've only had it a few hours.

I lost my dad at 3 so that didn't give us much time for pictures together so my collection is limited. But now I get to look at us together everyday. There's no words to describe what that means to me. Thank you for your time and work. I cannot wait to display it in my home forever! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Can you believe that the impetus for this started when I was a little girl watching my Dad draw?

Over the years, Daddy seemed interested in my work and what new project I was working on. His last words to me were “Toni, keep doing what you are doing.” Since I did not know they were the last words, I cherish them all the more.

I celebrate these moments...

What moments do you have to celebrate?

How might you express them today?

I will leave you with this song and a concluding encouragement. 


No matter if this past Mother's Day, this upcoming Father's Day or the next birthday is challenging, I encourage you to create for your loved one. Make a song, a rap, a dish, a painting, a poem, a journal entry...

Feel free to let me know how it goes in the comments below.