Monday, October 12, 2009

The Best Shirts Ever!

My dad loved flannel shirts with two front pockets and I don't think he threw any out. When I went through his closets after he died, he had three closets full of flannel shirts and some flannel lined shirts from L.L. Bean. He would wear these all yaar round, even on hot summer days! If he got paint on some, he'd still save those to wear the next time he painted.

My dad had so many shirts because he'd usually get flannel shirts for his birthday and Christmas. I found one still in the original plastic so used it to lay him out in for his funeral. He was never big on suits and I just thought he'd look more like himself in a flannel shirt. Here we found a picture of when he got that shirt which was about 20 years earlier! Who knows, maybe he meant to save that one for his funeral one day--sounds like something he'd do!

I gave most of them away but kept a few for my husband and me. It's really nice to have these because it makes me feel close to dad still when I wear one of his shirts. My husband discovered how nice they are too. He never used to wear flannel shirts but likes them a lot now, especially in the winter to wear to work. They are so comfortable!

The L.L. Bean shirts are very nice too. They are more like a light weight jacket with flannel lining. They are great for yard work or for wearing on cooler days without having a bulky jacket. I kept five of these for us and am very glad I did!

To find out more about my book and why I wrote it, read the Foreword here.
Tweet This

Tweet Me from My Funny Dad, Harry

14 comments:

I Wonder Wye said...

Nothing better to sleep in than an old worn, soft flannel shirt. And if worn by a loved one? Even better. It's like being wrapped in a warm hug. Sorry to hear of your loss. I still have both 'ancient p's -- remember that Monty Python sketch?) and am so thankful. I think I'll be a basket case on that sad day -- and I am a grief bereavement facilitator at church once a year! Stopping over from SITS...

Just A Normal Mom said...

I have one of my grandpa's flannel lined denim shirt from LL Bean. I'll never get rid of it. I can still see him in it and I wear it with love.
***Ally
Visiting from SITS!

jude8753 said...

I don't have any LL Beans, but I have one of Eric's old dress jackets that I often drape over my shoulders just for the comfort.

Anne said...

That is great. I love wearing clothes from my mom or dad. It makes me feel like I am still close to them although they are gone.

Jordasche Bledsoe said...

Hi, I'm sorry about your dad, but I am glad you have these memories, I too knew of someone who always wore those shirts and I still think of him now though he died long ago every time I see them. Thanks for sharing. I'm visiting from The Constant Complainer, saw your link title and wanted to check it out.

Lynne said...

I remember when flannel shirts were in style! Was that back in the 70's? While the fad didn't last long, I still love the softness of a flannel shirt!

Robynn's Ravings said...

Karen! That's so special that you have those and wear them. What a tangible comfort and reminder of his dear presence in your life!

Unknown said...

I think it's lovely that you still have some of his shirts. Both of my parents are still living, but I imagine that once they go, it will be a comfort to me to have some of their favorite things around. I enjoyed this post....

jennyonthespot said...

I love my dad's flannel shirts. There's just something precious about those :)

Rick (Ratty) said...

You captured a memory of your dad that we can all identify with. I think we all think of the clothes our dads wear. My dad is known for exclusively wearing things he can work in. The more out of place they are the better.

thatdesigngal said...

I love LL Bean! Especially their bookbags. Had one all through school

Sorry to hear about your loss. You will always remember the flannel shirts.

Have a fantastic weekend!!
~Mary

Vashti said...

thanks for stopping by my blog today!!!
when my friends father passed away she made a quilt out of all his old shirts! I thought that was amazing. Hope you have a blessed day.x

The Silver Age Sara said...

I love flannel shirts too. They are so practical and comfy. I can understand why you would want to bury your Dad in clothes he loved and always wore.

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

A good flannel shirt is priceless!

"My Funny Dad, Harry" Book Giveaway

Congratulations to all the winners of the giveaway for "My Funny Dad, Harry" at Red Pine Mountain. I am so happy that four of my regular commenters won! Read what Tim thought of it at Everyday Living.