A Tribute to Dad

Dear Dad,

It is now a year since you have left us. To be sure we miss you, as we always truly enjoyed your company until the end. We will always remember your final years, with the slightly crooked smile-saying everything was great. We know that it wasn't that easy the last 13 years, but you rarely commented on your ailments, and always enjoyed the times we spent together. We always enjoyed our times with you. The wealth of memories we have will last our life time. The lessons you taught, will hopefully, span generations as we share them with our children.

We will always appreciate the time you took to take us to the community pool after you finished work, when we are sure you would have rather watched the evening news or another show. The trips to the ice cream shop were always a special treat. The occasional Sunday morning breakfasts after church have fond memories as well. The question of "dad how much can we have up to" will always be a running joke with your kids. No matter how difficult it may have been for you and mom, you both always seemed to make it seem like fun!

Through the years, you taught us a wealth of lessons from:

-Patience is a virtue, learned by waiting to be picked up after school until 7pm. Lesson learned, use the time wisely (like doing homework) and realize priorities. In the end, sometimes the time is shorter than you think.

-Procrastination and the pros and cons of this ailment. Enough said.

-Never give up. From your continued dedication toward your PhD and later following your heart surgery, your constant diligence and dogged determination have inspired us to always give our best and work the hardest to achieve our goals when they seem out of reach.

-Always look on the sunny side of the street. You always had a smile and a "how do" for anyone. You showed us that it is an easier day with a smile on your face.

-Work hard, save your money and you'll get there. Ain't that the truth dad! The road ahead may not be easy but achieving your goal is sweet.

-Always give 110% even if you don't like your job. You give your fullest to the job you have until you find a better one. Also, never quit your job until you have found another.

-Teaching us integrity, honesty, kindness, forgiveness, compassion for others, altruism, and loyalty.


So in closing dad, we want you to know that we wish we would have told you more often how much we appreciated the time you spent with us and the lessons you and mom taught. We hope that, even though we did not say it often enough, that the way we have lived our lives is a tribute to you and mom. We will always treasure the times we had with you and will miss you.

With much love,

Your Family