Arthur C. Karnowski // Dad

Arthur C. Karnowski

My dad's been on my mind so much lately. On Friday it will have been 10 years since he passed away. I laid in bed this morning reflecting on him. I was flooded with memories and I thought I'd share just a few.

I remember...A conversation we had shortly before he died where he had our whole family together. It was at their 50th Anniversary party down in North Carolina, while sitting around my sister's dinner table. He was telling us how important it was to him for us all to stay close. I can't remember exactly what he said, but his words were so genuine and sincere. Family was everything to my dad.

I remember...how much he loved my mom. If I ever complained to him about her he would let me talk for a little while before he stopped me; because they were definitely on the same team and he wanted to make sure I knew it! He didn't get mad often, but he was very protective of my mom. I also loved how in a group setting he stood back quietly observing everything and let her be the center of attention. I also remember when Mom was in the hospital and in a strange coma for 2 weeks after her heart surgery. They wanted to move her to a nursing home for rehabilitation and he refused to let them. He had made a promise to her that he would never do that and he stood by his commitment.

I remember...how he would do anything for me. Anything! When he went to the grocery store he came home with flowers for me so many times. I appreciate how sweet that was more today than I did at the time.

I remember...how patient he was and the many times when he prayed for patience. I remember how he was the head of our family and always started our prayers with, "In the name of the Father..."

I remember... how he could paint a room without a drop cloth and wouldn't drop a speck of paint. He painted a room without anyone even noticing. He moved the furniture away just long enough to get behind it and immediately moved it back.

I remember... how he sat at the kitchen table eating a sandwich. I know that's random, but it brings a smile to my face! I remember his hands. I can still hear his laugh, usually followed with a cough. I loved watching a comedy with him. I remember his sneezes! ;)

I remember... his sense of direction was incredible. I felt so comfortable when he was driving. I knew we would never get lost. Oh, and he could not stand a dirty car or dirty windows. And it would drive him crazy if you were in the back seat and accidentally kicked it. I made so many memories with him in the car. I still cherish the memory of him taking me to LA just to get a Hard Rock Cafe tee-shirt for my kids.

I remember... how he loved to talk to me on the phone about whatever project he was working on. He went on and on and I remember not having patience to listen like I should have. When my mom wasn't around he loved to talk on the phone. If she was home he would quickly pass the phone on to her.

I remember... in his last weeks when my mom asked him to paint a room for her. At the time I thought she was out of her mind. As I look back it is obvious that she was doing anything she could to hold on to him and give him a reason to keep on living. They were best friends until death did they part and she didn't have a clue of how to live without him.

I will never forget my dad or his many qualities. I can only hope he passed a few of them on to me. He was a true hero. I hope he knew how much I loved and respected him. He lives in my heart forever. I'm thanking God for his life. The world is definitely a better place because he was a part of it. I'm so honored to be his daughter.

Love,

Annie

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9ZMDPf9hZw&w=560&h=315]