I didn’t even have a chance to take off my coat. The first thing my father did when I entered his little retirement apartment was wave an envelope in front of me, an exaggerated display of feigned indignation on his face. He was holding up the card I mailed to him for his ninety-fifth birthday.
A lovely evocation of how small things can connect people in rich ways. Alice, have you seen the recent Canadian permanent stamps that feature 4 Canadian graphic novelists reading their works? The stamps are spectacular!
Ah. Alas. Had I met you earlier I would have given your father entire albums of stamps - so small but like stamps this story sheds light on a way way bigger story - indeed, we have a choice.
My grandmother collected first day covers, and since she ran a post office she stamped them herself. The post office is long closed and sadly her stamp collection disappeared after her death. She once received a full page of new stamps with the queen's head upside down. She returned them to the central post office!
While I have no philatelists in my family, your story was a great reminder of how to align one's interactions with another's passions and thus connect on an even deeper level. Thanks, Alice!
I love this! My dad also collected stamps—uncancelled full sheets with the number (I can't remember what that was called)—and, of course, First Day Covers. I was lucky (I guess) to inherit that collection. I've been thinking about writing about it. I love hearing about your dad and his passion.
I had the same father and often thought that his philately was essential in his relationship with my mother who was otherwise in charge of everything. When he worked with his stamp albums, he reigned supreme.
And you are a collector of stories, Alice. Every Sunday and now Saturday, the rich and varied tapestry you have created delights so many of us. How proud your father and mother would have been!
Kristin, this is a lovely sentiment to express to Alice - a collector of stories. That's just perfect! And we are fortunate that she finds ways to share them too.
A lovely evocation of how small things can connect people in rich ways. Alice, have you seen the recent Canadian permanent stamps that feature 4 Canadian graphic novelists reading their works? The stamps are spectacular!
Thanks Sari. I will look for the stamps. I am always on the hunt for nice stamps for my letters.
Ah. Alas. Had I met you earlier I would have given your father entire albums of stamps - so small but like stamps this story sheds light on a way way bigger story - indeed, we have a choice.
My grandmother collected first day covers, and since she ran a post office she stamped them herself. The post office is long closed and sadly her stamp collection disappeared after her death. She once received a full page of new stamps with the queen's head upside down. She returned them to the central post office!
OMG the upside down Queen might have been valuable now. Seems like such a quaint hobby now. Thanks for reading.
It was valuable at the time! I miss sending letters with lovely stamps. They are such a wonderful miniature art form.
That courtesy and caring. It turns up in the best dads.
This is a wonderfully focussed reminiscence, and a lovely piece of writing, starting with the very first line. Thank you!
While I have no philatelists in my family, your story was a great reminder of how to align one's interactions with another's passions and thus connect on an even deeper level. Thanks, Alice!
I love this! My dad also collected stamps—uncancelled full sheets with the number (I can't remember what that was called)—and, of course, First Day Covers. I was lucky (I guess) to inherit that collection. I've been thinking about writing about it. I love hearing about your dad and his passion.
Ah yes the uncanceled full sheets. I forgot about those! You should write about the collection. Thanks for reading my Mother Land stories.
I had the same father and often thought that his philately was essential in his relationship with my mother who was otherwise in charge of everything. When he worked with his stamp albums, he reigned supreme.
My dad was careful to put my mother front and centre. Otherwise his personality would have out shone her.
A very kind man, your father. Do you observe Father's Day today in Canada?
And you are a collector of stories, Alice. Every Sunday and now Saturday, the rich and varied tapestry you have created delights so many of us. How proud your father and mother would have been!
Kristin, this is a lovely sentiment to express to Alice - a collector of stories. That's just perfect! And we are fortunate that she finds ways to share them too.