Sitting by my your hospital bed while holding your hand, I reflect on everything that I am because of the lessons and love I got from you.  So I started making a list: 

What I learned from my Dad: 

Unconditional Love Always be Kindhearted but strong willed Respect those who deserve respect and waste little time on those who do not Strong work ethics, Learn from my mistakes Money can buy things but cannot buy heartfelt happiness Treat people fairly Be understanding, nonjudgmental, stoic, steadfast and wise Always be proud of myself and my family and don't be afraid to show it.  Stand up for my beliefs

You were a hardworking and kind man and would not take advantage of people who needed your help.  You always treated people with kindness.  I remember many times you would come home from a job with a bag of fresh eggs or vegetables from someone’s garden because you knew their money was needed for other things and we could always use some good groceries in the refrigerator. 

When you would get off work I remember you would come in, kick off youe shoes, wash your hands and stretch out on the floor which would open the door to fun if us kids wanted a horseback ride or to just lie down by your side and talk about our day.  That was something you did with us as we grew up, and continued doing it with youe grandchildren.  You loved to have fun with “the little ones”.

My favorite lesson was when I flooded the distributor in my 55 Chevy during a rain storm because it was fun to see how high the water would get when going through the dips in the intersections.  I called you from the pay phone around the corner and said in my "daddy please come help me voice"  that "I can't get my car started, I don't know what happened, it just died!" and you said "I'll be right there, stay out of the rain and wait for me."

When you got there and looked under the hood I'll never forget how I felt as you peeked around the hood, over the top of your glasses, and motioned for me to come join you.  You looked at me with that "I'm only going to tell you this once" look and said "You better pay attention while I show you how to dry this distributor because next time you want to play in the water I won't be coming to do it for you young lady."  Thank goodness I paid attention, because of course it happened again, but I always had a dry rag in my car and never had to call you for help in the rain again. 

Because of those lessons, as a single mom working to support my children on my own, it was cheaper for me to buy a Chilton manual for my car than it was to try finding a mechanic who would take less than what they normally charged.  If I didn't know what the problem was I would call you and explain what the car was doing and you would tell me what I needed to know then say "get to work" and chuckle.  Many times, I would be armed with the Chilton and a bag of tools, to get greasy (yuck) working on my old car.  I’ll never forget the excitement I would feel when whatever needed fixed I was the one who fixed it and the first thing I would do was to call you and proudly tell you the car was on the road again! 

You and mom came from the generation that didn't speak much of love or emotions, but I always knew that even during my rebellious high school days you loved me, I was your daughter and that was enough for you.  You watched me make my mistakes but knew because I am your daughter that I was too headstrong to listen to anyone who didn't agree with what I chose in my life and that I would learn the lesson I needed to learn in my own time.  I never heard "I told you so" which meant when I was bouncing back from a fall I could come to you.  Of course, I didn't because that meant I would have to admit I had been wrong LOL (yet another trait I have of your's). 

I will miss you every day when you are gone, and wish we could just turn back time to before that horrible accident you had that broke so many things in your body, but yet you survived and worked as long as your body would let you.  I know I am going to miss you and that my heart will be hurting but I also know I will be okay because you won't have to struggle and be frustrated because you no longer can get up and go to work like you did for so many years. 

I could go on and on about the things you showed me when it came to life and about how terribly lost I am sure I will feel because you're not here when I cross a path that challenges me.  But then I'll remember how you would tell me to pick myself up, brush myself off and get over it and I'll smile and nod my head knowing you're watching over me.  

I didn't get this letter finished before you closed your eyes and left, but I know in my heart that you knew how much I love you and how glad I am that we had these last months to spend together.  Even during those times when you couldn't remember my name but always knew I was your daughter.  Give Mom and Vonnie a big hug from me and get ready because I am planning a big surprise for you and Mom in July. 

I am so glad God gave me you to be my Dad!  I love you and I miss you. 

Your youngest girl