As the eternal optimist, I never wanted to believe this day would come. I really believe that a man as courageous and strong as my Dad would live forever. But I find hope and peace in knowing that Dad is at peace and in heaven. The place where he strived to be for many many years. That he means so much to me and my family – and so many of you.
I am now the middle child, but for 16 years I was the baby. The bond between a daughter and her father is strong. I always knew
My father loved me and I loved him.
When I started to put my thoughts about my father on paper, I went back in my mind to being 5 years old and standing beside my dad at the fire station so proud that he was the man that could drive the big fire truck and he was my dad.
Of the time when he arranged for Santa to catch me under the Christmas Tree shaking presents with a little coaching from him. Always looking for the laugh.
Making the man stop the carnival ride in Shawneetown to get me off because I was scared and crying. My protector, My Dad
I remember laying in my grandma Hayes back bedroom with my dad listing to the rain hit the tin roof with dad tracing around my eyebrows, eyes and lips and drifting off to sleep.
I remember Aunt Nellie and Aunt Jody watching me and waking up crying for my dad and not settling down till dad came back. My security, My dad
I remember thinking that my father was the most handsome man in the world. Even, though I don’t remember him without gray hair. But what hair he had.
Dad was strong and a bit of hard headed and for this I did take after him. We didn’t always see eye to eye but we always came back to each other and knew that we still loved each other no matter what. “When I look at all the influences in my life, my Dad is right there
He had given me his bible a few years back and in the front it says, Dot, to get you though the rough times, for happier days, love Dad
For myself, This message is still loud and clear….
I think Dad would want us to celebrate his life with Christ, To love one another, To let the little things go and embrace life head on.
I searched the bible looking for a verse that fit my father and I came upon this:
John 17:4
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
I don’t pretend to think that dad was a saint and did no wrong. He was human. But I do know that he finished his worked that he set out to do here on earth and now dad is rocking Nerissa and asking where’s the popcorn and milk?! And asking if there’s any raisin pie.
Dad you were loved while here on earth and you are still loved in Heaven. I will miss you terribly but I have the inter peace of knowing that I will see you again one day.
I love you, Your Sam
