19 Comments
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Jan Burns's avatar

I love the part about the snowboard suit with the leopard lining. I can see you standing on the side lines willing the suit not to fit the guy who tried it on... a message from above leading you to your dad's compass...and a precious memory of him.

Debra Palmquist's avatar

That was exactly it! I couldn't let that suit go, and thank goodness I found that special piece of him. Gold and shiny.

Ginevra Blake's avatar

Blessings on that fellow who found your Dad’s snowmobile suit ill fitting. And as a girl who began her driving life in an Opal, and had a magical dad like yours, I enjoyed every moment reading your image filled, loving story.

Debra Palmquist's avatar

Wow! There can't be many of us who drove an Opel Manta. Mine was orange, model year 1974. My first and all-time favorite car. We are car sisters.

Tina Sado's avatar

Without a doubt, your dad wanted you to have that compass. Our loved ones are guiding and watching over us from the other side (I believe anyway.) Beautiful story.

Debra Palmquist's avatar

I too believe in the guidance and care from our loved ones on the other side. So much resistance in today's culture about saving things. But this keepthing is a treasure, beyond measure!

Jen Machajewski's avatar

I love the discovery aspect of the story. Not an item you saw him use daily, not an item you frantically sought out to save, but a happenstance, a wink from him. And that photo also gives a final flourish of his personality. Thank you for sharing your dad with us.

Debra Palmquist's avatar

I like that, a wink from him. He knew all "how-to things. I grew up believing he could fix anything and could always be counted on! Steady, solid.

Amie McGraham's avatar

How cool is it that the nearly-sold snowsuit held such a treasure?

PS-former Cat owner here

Debra Palmquist's avatar

Can you just smell the exhaust of those Cats? A favorite odor. Do you live in the northern climes?

Amie McGraham's avatar

I grew up in Maine. Snow sleds were the bomb!

Chris J. Rice's avatar

Practical magic. That’s a compass and all the care and compassion. Thank. You.

Debra Palmquist's avatar

Grateful for my dad. Thank you for reading.

Cindy Eastman's avatar

What a gift, both in emotion and in hand, to find your true north, your dad's compass. I've always thought compasses were so amazing--this small little device that can find its way through anywhere. Like love can, yes? Thank you for this story. It's lovely.

Ellen Hoover's avatar

What a great father. My dad had a used stick shift Opal that I loved to drive.

Debra Palmquist's avatar

Weren't they amazing? So cute and sporty. I grew up driving my dad's older model Pontiacs, Buicks and Oldsmobiles. He didn't think much of foreign cars. Especially their "stiff ride."

Lisa's avatar

True north…. Love this. Just beautiful.

Debra Palmquist's avatar

Lisa, I appreciate your words. It feels good to share this story and hear that it resonates.

Sharon Senkiew's avatar

Beautiful story about your dad- thank you for sharing him with us❤️