April 01, 2005
Deux
I miss my dad today.
He was a wonderful artist. He was always inspired by a beautiful spring day like today.
Today he would have been busily painting the new green leaves against the azure sky.
Today he would have smiled at his work, leaned back, taken a sip of Earl Gray tea and called me over.
“We should have a show together?” he’d say, putting his arm around my waist. “Now wouldn’t that be great? A father and son exhibition.”
I think he said that every time he completed a painting.
I was young and way too interested in chasing girls to get enough material together for a show.
My dad gave away every painting he did, so he never had enough material for a show.
My father reached many of his dreams, except for his biggest. To show his work. He was a wonderful artist. Way better than I will ever be. But Jac Romain was exceptionally humble. And never wanted people to think he was bragging or blowing his own horn, so he never felt comfortable asking a gallery to host an exhibition of his art.
My dad died way too young. After some months my mother asked me to clean out his studio because she couldn’t face doing it. During my search I found a number of drawings my dad had not yet painted.
I brought them back to America with me.
Some time later while cleaning out my own studio, I came across my dad’s unfinished paintings. Without hesitation, I pulled out my watercolors and turned his pencil drawings into paintings. I signed them Jac and Trevor Romain. It was a wonderful way to be with my dad, even though he was gone.
Six months later I had a show at a gallery in Austin and I included my own paintings, some of my dad’s completed paintings and the pieces we did together. Finally, we both had our first exhibition…together. I called the show ‘Yours, Mine and Ours’.
I am so glad I was able to make my dad’s dream come true. Doing it really filled my soul with warmth and my heart with pride.
I miss my dad today.
Posted by trevor at April 1, 2005 07:07 AM
Comments
Thank you for sharing this story. While I read a lot of political and news-related blogs, I have made it a priority to read your blog everyday. I do so because you share such heartfelt stories that cut through so much of the noise out there, and remind me of the important things. This story about your dad is another example. Thank you, again, for sharing it. Best wishes.
Posted by: Mike B at April 1, 2005 01:56 PM
You must have had a beautiful relationship with your dad. You've talked about him here before and have done such a great job of keeping his memory alive. I'm sure he was honored and delighted to have you for a son. Blessings to you.
Posted by: nina at April 1, 2005 02:21 PM
Damn. I am close to tears. You have honored your father the best way you could. I'm sure he is looking down and smiling with pride. If more people thought of others as you have done, instead of worring about themselves, the world would be a much better place. You have helped to show us how to do just that.
Posted by: Brian at April 2, 2005 12:01 PM
That's lovely!
Posted by: Harmony at April 2, 2005 07:06 PM
thank you for sharing a bit of your heart with the rest of us...
Posted by: island girl at April 3, 2005 03:25 PM
Trevor, I would like to comment on this, however, I am so teared up that I can't think straight.
I love my father the same way, only mine is still alive. It's and odd thing. I'm so thankful to have everyday with him, but all i think about is him passing.
I'm so scared of having days like yours and wondering what they'll be like.
I can only hope you have a stong family, friend and support group to keep you strong.
I'm new to your post, so i'm kinda reading this thing backwards. Maybe i should start from your first posts and then catch up!
Thank you for sharing this. it's a good barrometer for the next phase of my Life.
Posted by: Big Harry H at April 13, 2005 09:42 PM
Thank you Trevor, my dad died yesterday.
I will enjoy each & everyone of my memories of him.
Up and until today, I was focusing upon alot of negative & unproductive stuff.
Holly
Posted by: Holly at April 17, 2005 08:59 AM
Holly - I'm really sorry to hear about your dad. I know exactly how you feel. I can honestly say that 'celebrating your dad's life' and 'time' will ease the pain. Please feel free to e-mail me if you just feel like chatting about it. - Trevor
Posted by: Trevor at April 17, 2005 09:16 AM