A letter to my Dad

Dad,

This isn't what we had planned to be doing today but life happened. Instead we will be burying you this week.

I don't know if you remember this but when I was much younger, in elementary school, I wrote a poem and showed it to you. You liked it and took it down to the Independent-Mirror and they published it.

You don't know this, although maybe you do now that you're in Heaven, but I am still a writer. I am a lax writer, but one nonetheless. I have a blog that has had over twenty thousand hits. People actually read what I write. You encouraged me to do that, by starting so many years ago with that poem.

I remember the year that you and Mom bought me ice skates for Christmas. I was very young and we lived in the trailer. I wanted a pair of skates desperately and you made sure that they were under the tree. I never used those skates but you got them for me anyway. It was a wish fulfilled...

I remember turtle tongue and I still will not eat cube steak today.

I remember spaghetti and meatballs, my favorite meal that you made.

I remember driving and taking the corner by Beck's on two wheels, almost ripping your staples out.

I remember the rough times where we bickered and fought constantly but I am grateful for the years we had after where you allowed me to grow into the person I am now.

I remember my own Christmas cards from you on the tree. I remember your distinctive handwriting. I will miss it.

I will miss teasing you about being a gambleaholic.

I will miss hearing you tell me about your poker winnings.

I will miss your voice on the telephone when I call Mom.

I will miss your hugs when I leave the house on holidays.

I will miss you in so many ways along with so many other people. I have heard about your many special qualities from people on Facebook and the many things you did to help people.

You were our social butterfly, our enraged driver at times, our voice of reason when we were worried about what Mom would think.

You were our miracle man, living far beyond what was expected.

Now it is time for you to experience the glory and splendor of heaven. You can be with Uncle Johnny and Grandma and Grandpa again. There will be no more pain for you and you will watch over us from above. Please know that I will take care of Mom and help her adjust to a life without you here on Earth.

With all my love,
Julia