A Daughter's Remembrance: The Gemstones of Our Years

MSNBC/Newsweek ^ | June 14, 2004 issue | Patti Davis

[Howlin]

The house I grew up in had large plate-glass windows, which birds frequently crashed into headfirst. My father helped me assemble a bird hospital, consisting of a few shoe boxes, some old rags and tiny dishes for water and food. When I lost my first patient, when the tiny gray creature died in my hands without ever eating any of the Cheerios I'd provided for it, my father patiently explained to me that the bird was free now, flying happily through the blue breezes of heaven, where there are no hazards such as windows. I was locked into his eyes, locked into the story. My father was always more accessible when he was teaching his children through stories.

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Thirty-five years later, I would walk beside him along the beach, after he had already begun slipping into the shadows of Alzheimer's. A dark thief, it steals portions of a person, leaves remnants behind. He looked up at a flock of seagulls soaring overhead and his eyes followed them, shining with something I couldn't decipher, but which I interpreted as longing.

[Howlin]

Time taught me to appreciate a distant father
—and cherish glimpses of an elusive soul

[Howlin]

This is a wonderful article, IMO.

[Sunshine55]

I'm sitting here in my cubicle bawling my eyes out.

[oceanview]

Savage read this tonight on his show. I got to hear it - before flipping him off when he called this a 'Soviet style show funeral'. Savage needs to be medicated.

[Howlin]

She's a wonderful writer, isn't she?

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Losing a parent is an experience that has no comparison

Ain't that the truth. Made me realize the difference between crying and wailing.

What a nice article she wrote, thanks for posting it.

[Howlin]

She has an article coming out in People this weekend; I just may buy my first issue.

[ride the whirlwind]

Good for her. I'm so glad that she made peace with her parents. Life is too short.

[Lady Jag]

Nancy and Patti

[Libertina]

Beautiful... Interesting how we are born to people that we swear are not the right ones for us. But yet they are.

[swheats]

This helps me to understand why Mrs. Reagan chose to allow the public in during such a private time in their farewell.

Thanks for the ping.

[ladyinred]

Thanks for this Howlin, God it nearly broke my heart, but what a wonderful tribute to her dad.

[Howlin]

She has more coming out in People this weekend.

[Darlin']

I agree. Its a touching and thoughtful piece. She has become a very good writer and a loving daughter.

[Miss Marple]

Patty should be a columnist. This is a beautiful article, and yet honest in its perspective, rather than sugar coated.

Well, done Patty! Your dad would be proud.

[Jackie-O]

Thanks for the ping Howl...I've been offline all weekend, but watching all of the tribute coverage on Pres. Regan.
Not only was he probably the most inspirational, prolific President we have ever had, but even tho I was young, his speeches were the most profound, uplifting and inspiring I will ever hear in my lifetime.
God bless him, may he rest eternally.
The love he shared with Nancy was like no other...I envy her. God love her.

[onyx]

Every family has difficulties
from time to time. President
Reagan died with his family united.

[mystery-ak]

I knew Patty and Nancy were estranged for a long time, do you know how long?

[Kate of Spice Island]

Thanks, Howlin...will real later.

Kate

[AZamericonnie]

Libertina, there is alot of wisdom in your words.