Dad

Two days before dad's passing he made sure to ask me if I would be sure to take care of mom, even if that meant going with her to Indiana, I said, "Don't worry Dad I will do whatever is needed to make sure she is ok." He said, "OK, good!" Love you sweetie!

Then on November 19th after asking everyone to leave the room I had one last moment with my dad....

Ok, I unlike Dean did not or was not able to find the words to tell dad all my thoughts, because truly I was hanging on with him in HOPE that somehow things would turn around by the hand of God... but in the last moments we both knew it was Good - bye for now so here were my simple but heart felt words to him.

"I now hearing is the last to go, so just know dad - I am grateful that you are my dad, and although you didn't think you could be a dad when starting out, I think you did a great job and I am so proud to have you as my daddy! I love you and we'll meet up again one day. Thank you for being MY DAD!"

Prior to these last few moments together I just did my best to show him how much I loved him in ways I never knew I could even do... even foot and head tickles (which he loved, because they so relaxed him) and beyond.... hoping he knew by my actions more than my words just how much he meant to me!

As I reflect on my dad even now, two weeks later (which is hard to believe time has passed so quickly) but here are the areas I have come to see as our common ground (so to speak...) similarities in my dad and me! (*I only really started recognizing some of these in my 40's and especially after his first service many friends came up to me and shared how much like my dad I really am.) Who knew all these existed in me too.... so to dad, I carry on your legacy with:

Humor, Love of music (althought I love Contemporary Christian and you loved Classical) it inspires us both, Alone Quiet Time (to think and learn), the love of animals and nature, The Sky ( I see the hand of a creator, you knew much more of the science side of it all), How to be an Encourager when needed, Sports of all kinds, A need to know how things operate on one level or another (Knowledge) we applied this different, you would offer wisdom and insight learned, and I to help others through difficulties, Friends for Life (and how to maintain them and treasure them), the gift of Story Telling and seeing other quirks and enjoying them in spite of themselves, Special Events (Ground Hog Day & Halloween) and Holidays! And we also both hate to be "Boxed In" or not allowed choices or FREEDOM!

I loved my dad so much and so appreciated the 6 months we shared and grew closer than ever! Miss you dad and think about you so much with all this Christmas music and movies.... wow were you a large part of Christmas for me!

Love,

Ellen