Heart on Sleeve

Today is Fathers Day. It seems to always brings tears to my eyes. Tears of joy and tears of sadness. My Father passed in 1996. I remember our last conversation. It was the night before he died. His last words to me were, "I love you son, goodbye." It was on a Sunday night and late the next morning my fantastic cousin, Deb, called and said it was important to get in touch with my brother. I called and he was all to pieces. He didn't have to tell me. I knew. I promptly left the restaurant, called work, went home, packed a bag and made the fastest drive to Tishomingo county probably on record. Dad had told me several times down through the years to be close and ready because Mother would need me if he died. I certainly respected that request and hugged Mother for at least 5 minutes upon seeing her.

My Father was a great man. He was a devout Christian and loved his family and friends. So many discussions we had about various subjects in the Bible and his understanding still influences me today and always will. He also had a great sense of humor and one of best laughs I've ever heard. He could quote Shakespeare, help with trigonometry homework, show you anything about baseball, pull great pranks, loved to fish and so many other things. He loved Mother, Dan, me and had a very special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He truly loved both my daughters and Dan's children. They loved him in return. The funeral was huge. SRO. Hundreds of times I heard how people would really miss him. Hundreds of times I heard that he'd gone to a better place. The last part I knew, but still appreciated hearing it.

God has blessed my life with two wonderful daughters. I can't express how much love my heart holds for them and their families. There just aren't any words. I also inherited Dad's special love of grandchildren. I am not one to show a lot of feelings at times, but they know how they touch my heart. So I end on a joyful upswing of feelings. God Bless every good Father out there. God help the ones not so good. Where ever you're watching please know that I still miss you Dad. I always will.

"My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys."
~Harmon Killebrew (One of pro baseball's Greats!)