Drove my Chevy to the levy

On By Michele LeeIn Arizona Adventures, nature, Prose, Verse, Writing

Almost three years ago I began this blog, partly as a place to write my way through the grief I was experiencing after losing my father on Valentine’s Day, 2019. I wrote my way through denial, pain, anger, and depression. Eventually, I found acceptance. Even when I wasn’t writing about my dad, writing helped me move through the process of grieving. On this day, the day before what would have been my dad’s 75th birthday, I am writing to honor and remember.

Unlike me, a teacher, he was not.
He did not have the patience
to carefully explain
again and again
to inquisitive young brains.
He would rather be doing hobbies
that brought him joy
versus cultivating ours
with fatherly advice.
A wild child, who married young,
he still had plenty to learn.
But through his doing,
I learned a few things:
I learned how to stay calm
and not give up hope, even
through life’s most trying times.
I learned that skipping out early
on a random Monday to hit the lake
added spontaneity and joy to life.
Leaving behind envious classmates,
I never missed
whatever I may have missed.
Those days offered a quiet lake,
smooth as glass for water skiing.
Peace and richness found.
Getting there was never quiet
with eight-tracks playing
while talking to truckers using CB slang.
I learned how to filet freshly caught
and cook it to perfection
over an open flame
lit under the stars.
I learned how to keep
my mouth closed for hours in an anchored boat,
while he fished for a prized largemouth bass.
The scorching sun and the endless quiet.
Oh, how I hated that!
The first man to buy me tampons.
Oh, how I appreciated that!
The man in the orchestra pit
with a camera in hand
at dance recitals and graduation ceremonies.
He captured special moments through a lens
including buzzing bees and butterfly wings
when his identity was forced into retirement.
I learned that it’s ok for a man to cry,
especially when he loses his best friend.
Through him, the man who never raised
his voice or hand at me,
I learned how peaceful and calm
a final breath can be.

Many songs remind me of driving to the lake as a child. My featured music is one of those treasures. Don McLean’s American Pie is a moving story set to song that I remember listening to as we rolled along. If you’ve never heard it, or if it’s been a long while, I encourage you to listen… to the end. 😇

I sure wouldn’t mind one more fishing trip with my dad. Even if it meant having to be quiet for hours. “Don’t disturb the fish,” he used to say. Maybe true, but I think he enjoyed the silence. He also enjoyed driving to the lake at 3 AM. More torture for little me! 🌅 My dad was an avid fisherman who, at one point, had a room full of fishing trophies. I inherited his rods and tackle boxes. Many of the lewers left to me were custom designed by him. He enjoyed using them and selling them on eBay in his retirement. It gave me tremendous joy to give several of them to my daughter’s boyfriend, who also loves to fish. 🎣 In February of 2021 I wrote a personal narrative about the moments that followed my dad’s passing, titled, “His last two quarters.” If you’ve already read it, thank you. If you haven’t read it, I would be honored. 🙏🏻

Thank you for visiting. 💗Be well. Michele

Photo 1: My dad’s Chevrolet Silverado that he drove in the ’80s. He had a matching brown boat. He was a Chevy man, he had a saying about FORDs: Forever On the Road Dead. ☠️ Photo 2: My dad fishing at Roosevelt Lake (largemouth bass) Photo 3: My photo of Saguaro Lake, one of the lakes I skied on as a kid

© 2022 Michele Lee Sefton

139 thoughts on “Drove my Chevy to the levy”

  2. Timothy Price

    Wonderful memories. In the mid 80s one of the City’s cultural affairs staff put together a guitar series at the Kimo Theater in downtown Albuquerque. One of the performers in the series was Don McClean. The Kimo is a very intimate theater, and McClean put on one of the best shows I have ever experienced. He was personable, engaging and a fantastic performer. That show has stuck with me all these years.

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  3. Poetpas

    Great ode to a great dad! “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” And if he doesn’t clean his hands he will have fish fingers🤠

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    1. Thanks so much! He was no saint, but I am grateful for his presence in my life. 💞 Absolutely, yes! I suppose his lessons have fed me for a lifetime. 🙏🏻 haha He didn’t mind getting his hands dirty or fishy, but he was quite fussy when it came to cleanliness and tidiness. More lessons. 🤔 😁

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      2. Let’s pray there will always be fish! 🐟 Fish fungus doesn’t sound very fun. 🙃 Thanks for making me laugh. 😂 I suppose it’s no laughing matter for the affected fish. Not that I’ve ever heard a fish laugh…

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    1. He thought so. 😆 Actually, he was, in many ways. He took his last solo Harley ride to Sturgis when I did not think it was safe for him to do so. I am glad he did. 😌 Thank you very much, Steven. 🙏🏻 A few tears, yes. 😢

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    1. I sailed through the three-year anniversary of his passing, but his approaching birthday is reminding me how much I miss him. 😢 Writing helps in so many ways, as you know. Thank you very much, Jeff, for your kind words. Happy weekend to you too! 💖🌳

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      1. I completely understand. I lost my dad the same year, and it is still hard around his bday. Oh, writing does definitely help, agreed. You’re welcome, Michele. Always. Thank you! 💖🌳

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  9. Dear Michele,

    There are tears in my eyes now as I write this. How powerful your sharing. I could feel every word. You took me to that “place,” in which you and your dad are together. I know he is in your heart, and you in his.
    My father loved to fish for bass, too. He passed suddenly at the age of fifty-four, but he is forever in my heart; my mother, too.

    God love you, bless you, and keep you. Warmly, Art

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    1. I am honored by your words, Art, and appreciate you sharing the experience. A humbling comment for me and a reminder of the common experiences we all share. Thank you. My condolences to you for losing your father at such a young age. ❤️ Reflecting and writing have made me cry too, multiplied by that song! Tears can be cathartic. I greatly appreciate your kind words. 🙏🏻

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  10. Vicki Parham

    Michele,

    Thank you for sharing your love for your father. I know you loved him to the depth of your bones, but I also know that his spirit is always with you.

    You make him proud!

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  11. I loved starting my day with this blog. What a lovely tribute to your dad, and while I know your writing well, I did not know of the grieving for your father. This story, the fishing and the many moments of meaning, moved me. Thank you, friend. xoxo Sandra

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    1. “Spontaneity, silence and strength” You have summed up my poem and my dad quite nicely. He was more spontaneous in his younger years. I suppose you could say it was spontaneous spontaneity. As life goes. A real man, yes! Thank you very much, Rebecca for reading and commenting! 🙏🏻

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      3. My last fishing trip with my dad. Memorable. We forgot to put the plug in and almost sank the boat. We all got wet feet. We made shore, drained the water out and caught a meal of fish. I miss him as well.

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  15. So inspiring post revealing childhood with your Dad 🌷🙏👍🏻♥️😊 Dads always Childhood friend and
    so much evergreen memories can read from this lines and a lovely tribute to your dear Dad 👏
    So grace photos with big fish to view and so beautiful photo yourself also ♥️👌😊
    Happy weekend dear friend 🌷🙏♥️🌷

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    1. Your words uplift me. Thank very much, Thattamma, for your touching thoughts. I appreciate your visits here. Remembering our deceased loved ones is honoring. 💗 Have a wonderful weekend, sweet lady! 🤗💖🌞

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  16. This was such a warm tribute and an emotive poem. It’s beautiful how the passage of time is painful in way but the memories it captures seems to make up for it too.
    Thank you for the share! Happy weekend! ❤️

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    1. I felt that in writing it. To have you feel that too makes me feel on purpose with sharing it. Thank you, Deepthy. Beautifully said, yes. 💗 Enjoy your weekend! Hopefully, you are enjoying a break from studies. Not for long though, right? 😊

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  17. https://tamarakulish.com/

    My father was a quiet man who taught me a lot about life by his quiet examples. Like your father he immersed himself in his activities and if I wanted to spend time with him I had to join him in his pursuits. So I handed him tools when he fixed his old cars he drove, I handed him tools when he fixed things around the house, and I went with him to the hardware store. Not typical girl activities but I did learn acceptance from him and the value of hard work. I learned to keep going even when things were hard, through his examples.

    We don’t always have the kinds of parents other people may have or who we think we want to have, but we can still learn a lot from them can’t we?! (From my mother I learned a lot of what NOT to be and how NOT to treat people, but in spite of all that negativity, I also learned some valuable things from her too.)

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    1. Young people learn more from behavior that is modeled (or not) than from lectures, I do believe. The story of you and your father is sweet. I could easily visualize you doing the activities you described. Cherished memories for you. Thank you for sharing, Tamara. 🙏🏻

      Absolutely, yes, well said. I appreciate your thoughtful contributions to this thread. 💐

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    1. His birthday snuck up on me, but the words flowed. So did a few tears. A release of emotions. Grief can wash over us in a wave. Even when years have passed. Suppose that shows our love and compassion. Thank you so much for your visit and comment, Cindy. 💖 Best wishes on your remodel! 😄

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  20. Oh Michele, I echo what everyone has stated, this is such a heartwarming and beautiful tribute to your father. You painted a picture through words to show us what type of man he was and what kind of character he had. I am sure that this was emotional as you wrote it. He sounds like a gentle giant. I know what you mean about not disturbing the fish. The peace and quiet were more valuable than we knew, but we were young back then and impatient. I loved this commemoration and I am certain your father would too. 💖🙏🏼😍

    It’s so funny that he said a FORD is Forever On the Road Dead. When I bought my first car, which was a ’73 Mustang in high school, everyone would tease me that it was a Fix On Repair Day car. Yet, it’s funny that my car jumped off many of them when their car batteries died, or if they needed a ride to get somewhere. 😲🚗🙄

    Let me say again, that this was such a touching poem and a great honor to your father. 🤗🌺😎 Your choice of music was what I thought of when I read your title! Excellent post my dear dancing queen. This brightened my day! Thank you! 🌞💐😊💋🥰

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    1. We like to write characters, don’t we? Often the most interesting ones are those we know, or we have had the privilege of knowing. Your comment, “gentle giant” made me laugh. My dad was a small person. Suppose I have a few things in common with him. 😆 Probably the only thing that got me through that time was being able to water ski. My reward! My savior!

      FORD 😆 My dad wasn’t happy with me when I bought a Ford Explorer. My mom-mobile! I loved that car – drove it for 10 years till the AC died. It costs more to fix that than it was worth at the time. You showed them, didn’t you? 😂

      Thank you with all my heart, Kymbelina! 💖 That song! A little long, but isn’t that song amazing? I can’t listen to it without crying. That’s OK. 😊 I am so glad to have brightened your day, as you have, mine. 🌞 Enjoy! 💃🏽💖 💃🏻

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      1. Michele my Belle, there is nothing more that I can add to this beautiful narrative you have sent me. Yes, even if your father was a small person, evidently he had a BIG heart, which you inherited. He lives through you, just as you live through Sammi. What an amazing family tree of love, with a dash of individuality. 🤗✨😎😎😎

        I think you should get one of those fishing rods, and while you walk down to your fishing hole, start whistling the theme song from The Andy Griffith Show. Your story with your father reminds me of Andy and Opie walking excitedly with their fishing rods. I’ve been fishing and crabbing before and I gotta say, who would have thought that this was such a relaxing activity. 🐟🦀🐠 OK dawwwwwlinkkkkk, enjoy the rest of your FANtabulous weekend! Hugs and smooches! 🤗💖😘

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  21. Aww Michele, what a beautiful tribute to your Dad! So sorry that you lost him, but glad that blogging helped you! Writing is my therapy as well for when hard times hit.
    I will read the link you shared. Thanks for sharing with us a piece of you heart. Hugs!!! ❤

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    1. Your comment feels so genuine and warm. Thank you very much, Joy. Writing truly heals. 💗 I appreciate you reading the link. I had written that piece at the start of my blog journey, but never would have considered posting it then. Writing helps in many ways, including increasing our courage. Thank you, for receiving my heart! Best to you! 🤗

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  22. What a lovely poem! I believe writing truly helps us explore and better understand our emotions and when we reach the moments such as this, where we are able to devote words in tribute to our loved ones, I think we reach a deepened level of healing. ❤

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    1. I am pleased you think so! Amen, writer Jaya! I can’t imagine getting through life without it. Not just through blogging and writing poems, but through years and years of journaling. Private writing that now fills a few crates. Thank you. 💗

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  27. This is such a sweet tribute to your dad, my dear Michele! Your poem says so much about your dad.
    Writing is a healer in its own way. And I’m glad it helped you move on with grief. I started having a diary when I was in first grade. 😄 And I still have one to this day. That’s where I put all the thoughts I couldn’t say out loud. And it’s so personal to me.
    Love this, Michele! 🥰🥰🥰

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    1. I too started writing in a diary at a very young age, and like you, have continued that writing tradition. A private place to work out things and share thoughts – a healing experience, yes! Now we do that and blog. 😊 I am grateful for your sweet and supportive words. Thank you, Adelheid. 🙏🏻💖 Have a wonderful week!

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    1. I feel your genuine support. Thank you, Nico, for reading and commenting. 🙏🏻 Greatly appreciated! There seems to be a few FORD sayings. 😆 I enjoyed my Ford Explorer (to my dad’s annoyance) until the A/C died. 😰

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  31. When my father died he left volumes of writings. He was a farmer and a preacher and whilst my youth was to be filled with memories of living with the land and nature my later years are being filled with having his thoughts to ponder. All fathers leave wonderful gifts, all we need to do is to be able to see them and appreciate them.

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    1. What a wonderful gift to be given. I have my grandfather’s letters that he sent during WWII. Incredible historical and personal documents, although what is not written is just as fascinating, as there was only so much they could share. I love your description of your youth compared to your later years. A beautiful complement to each other. Rich memories! I am grateful for your visit and your insightful thoughts. Thank you very much, David. Have a wonderful week!

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    1. I am grateful for your meaningful words. 💗Thank you very much, Ingrid. 🙏🏻 I spent some time reading your anthology last night. Quite a collection! Of course, I will continue, share, and write a review.

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  33. Your dad sounds like a terrific guy, someone I’d like to hang with and catch a fish or two. Seems to me you had a great childhood and it’s obvious you loved your dad very much and he you. Happy Heavenly Birthday to him! Thanks for sharing these wonderful memories. 🫶🏼 🎣

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    1. He would have loved that! 🎣 What a friendly comment. Thank you. Like most people, my childhood had its challenges, but I do have some fond memories. The lake/camping/skiing ones are the best! A mutual love and respect, yes. 🙏🏻 Thank you, Nancy, for reading and sharing your heartwarming thoughts. Gratitude! Have a wonderful week!

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      1. Oh boy, I can certainly relate to the parental challenges! I remember growing up I thought every other family was perfect. Was I ever wrong; they were as screwed up as we were lol! Mutual love and respect sounds pretty good to me. You have a lovely week as well! 🫶🏼

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      3. Thank you for writing about such a soul touching thing. It’s very tender and sweet. I miss my momma. It was a privilege to read about your experience with your dad. Thank you.

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  37. Michelle, I was really touched by your story. I read the essay, as well. I am sorry you lost your Dad and wish you continued healing. He lives on within you. As someone who lost her beloved father suddenly and tragically, I hope you can draw comfort from having been there at his side.

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    1. Evelyn, I am honored and comforted by your comment. Thank you very much for the visit. I am sorry for the sudden finality and loss of your father. I do draw comfort from having been by my dad’s side, thank you. 🙏🏻 I hope you are able to draw comfort from your memories. 💖

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  38. A beautiful heartfelt memory, Michele! Your dad sounds like a great person full of creativity that he passed on to you. I remember your Quarter story when you first came to this blog. I am glad writing helped you work through some of your grief! Love the Chevy truck and the Song is one of my favorites!

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    1. Thanks a million, Dwight, for your kind comments. He was very resourceful and ingenious. 😊 Thank you for reading and remembering my Quarter story – that was a special one. 💗 What an amazing song! 👏🏻

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    1. I am grateful for your visit and support, Dr. Prakash. Thank you! 🙏🏻 There seems to be a few of us in this blogger platform who turned to writing to process grief. Makes sense as writing offers peace and healing. I appreciate you sharing part of your journey. 🌻 Best to you!

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    1. Sending you love and hugs, Tiffany, during your month of remembering. Grief is an interesting journey – memories and emotions can flood us unexpectedly at times. Thank goodness for art, in all its forms, as a place to release those emotions. 💗

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  41. Hi Michele, this blog was great to read. I just lost my dad last month. It was sudden and unexpected. I have an awesome family and I am blessed my brothers and I get along really well, so there hasn’t been any bickering or issues with the estate etc. I really miss him.. so your post resonated with me. I hope it gets easier because it is really hard right now 😦

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    1. Thank you, Kimber. I am pleased that my post resonated with you during this time. I am saddened to learn of your dad’s sudden and unexpected passing. How wonderful that you have strong family connections and that you can support each other during this time of mourning. Those first few months were very difficult for me. Give yourself patience and practice self-care. 💗 Thank you for sharing. 🌻

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      1. Thanks Michele. I do have a lot of consolation but it still feels weird. I came across a VM on my phone I had saved. Just to know I will never hear his voice again is difficult. But I am trying to only remember the good things and not dwell on the negative ones. He was a special man and loved by many. He also loved others and is greatly missed.

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      2. Losing someone close does turn our world upside down. I cherish those VMs! Sweet and funny. Helpful to focus on the good things, but I say whatever thoughts and emotions come up, honor them. 💖

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  42. A teacher he was not, but a father he was. Enlightening her on how to be, calm, never give up, through life’s trying times. A teacher he was not, but, a father he was!

    Sorry for your loss. I too know loss, of a child. May his love, and the memories, see you through the coming years!

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    1. A lovely verse you wrote, Warren. Thank you so very much! 🙏🏻 I appreciate your kind words and my words cannot begin to express how sorry I am for your loss. A pain that no parent should have to bear. 💕 Wishing you the same. 🌻

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  44. Loved this poem, Michele. It is a very real and honest account of your life with Dad. Keeping those memories alive is so important so they stay with us and remind us of special times and people. I have written about losing my brother to cancer and my stepson to suicide. It’s a way of holding the threads of our lives together.
    And I often still play “American Pie” and it takes me back to travelling with my little brother in the big V8 Ford with my Mum at the wheel singing along. Great blog too!

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  45. I know ~I~ wouldn’t mind one or two more fishing trips with my son or my father-in-law. Up North, especially after retirement, were my father-in-law’s happiest days. My son got into fishing, too. A way to relax and relate to those around them. Thank you for sharing. You always create the perfect atmosphere.

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      1. Sometimes the wave just passes, it’s true. But sometimes the pain is almost too much to bear, even with the blessing still in our lives. I must admit I don’t have much faith in an afterlife but if there is one grandpa and my son are our fishing and laughing every day.

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      2. I hope that visions of your son and his grandpa comfort you when the wave is too much. A beautiful vision. 💞 I appreciate you and treasure your share here. 🙏🏻

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  47. A beautiful tribute to your father! I don’t have many fond memories of my father, so I can really appreciate how close you were to yours. You were lucky! I do remember, however, going fishing on the lake with my father and grandfather. And then my grandmother treating us with a fish fry when we got home. Good, wholesome, summertime fun.

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    1. I am honored. Thank you, Dawn. That was an emotional weekend for me. 😢 Surprisingly emotional. That’s how grief goes, I suppose. Like most families, mine had its share of dysfunction, but I am grateful for my dad and his presence in my life. I understand your sentiment about your relationship. Fishing bored me to tears as a youngster – now I relish idle quiet days. Few and far between! Thanks for the visit – I know you have a lot going on right now. 🤗

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