Jamie
People pop in & out of our lives daily on a continuous basis, both physically and in thoughts that are awakened after a certain song comes on the radio or some part of a memory brings them to mind.
Dad is with me. Always was; always will be. Every day.
He is in the sports I play and watch my kids play
...in my appreciation of music
...in my longing for the lake
...in the quietness of waiting to catch a fish, but being content to sit w a rod on a beautiful lake with good company
...in water and snow skiing fun
...in the rain hitting a camper, tent or porch roof
...in the reflectiveness of morning
...in mind puzzles (side note: days before his final "flight" I sat doing a crossword with him. It had become difficult to make out some things he said. I asked him for a 3 letter word for Matterhorn and he said "alp". I said "did you say alp or help?" and he said "alp!, alp!" So I wrote alp, all along thinking "well, he's either still sharp as a tack or I'm about to earn the worst nurse in the world award)
...in humor
...in flying
...in my gentle interior and strong exterior
...in the power of words: great novels, poetry and sage advice
...in experience of travel
...in the footprint of a furry friend & my love of nature
...in a beautiful sunset, sunrise or vapor trail
...in the integrity I strive for and hope to instill in my children
...in leading and teaching by example
...in honesty, patience, & respect
...in the love shared with family and friends.
In sports my Dad used to travel across states to come watch my college games. No matter how bad a game I may have had, he'd tell me he was my biggest fan. A part of me wonders if I didn't keep playing college sports so that he'd keep visiting me while I was away from home because the truth of the matter is that I felt like I was HIS biggest fan. He brought immeasurable joy to my life and taught me so much. I can only hope, as he watches from his "nosebleed seats" that he is half as proud of me as I am of him and that I brought some joy to his life as well.
Friday October 28, 2016 at 7:47 am