In Loving Memory 12/21/2007

Over the last couple of days I have been attempting to find words to express what my Dad meant to me. This experience was unexpected to say the least, and I am at a loss to make sense of the hows and whys of it all.
The last time I saw my Dad was Monday of this week. I had gotten into a minor car accident and was needing to take my car in for an estimate. As I always have done, I called my Dad for help. My Dad truly spoiled his girls - no matter what scrape we might find ourselves in he was typically our first call. As was typical, he stopped what he was doing and went with me to the shop. After our errand we went to Starbucks for a coffee - this had become a ritual for us. We spent many afternoons with a cup of strong coffee and great conversation. This trip was nothing "special" but I am so thankful I had the opportunity to have one last time with him. We talked about random things - unimportant things - things I really don't recall, but I can remember where we sat, who we saw, and other little details. I will treasure that snapshot memory forever. We left and went our seperate ways - neither of us knowing that it would be the last time we would see eachother on this earth. What would we have said if we had any clue? I am almost sure I told him I loved him before I left (it is a habit in our family to always say that before saying goodbye at any time) but I cannot remember for sure - and that doubt brings tears.
My Dad was a man of few words - but the words he chose to speak and the manner in which he chose to share them have changed not only my life but countless of others. He was ever wise and consistent. He was kind. He was loving. He had a fun and sometimes wicked sense of humor and was sarcastic in a way I found hilarious. He was quick to smile and laugh and was eager to have others join him in these activities. As I have gotten older, he had become my friend and counselor. He was the smartest man I ever met and he was eager to continue to increase in knowledge. He firmly believed that study and learning of all things but especially the things of God were key in life. He vigorously pursued excellence and encouraged that pursuit in his children, but ultimately he desired that we would know and serve God. He loved my Mom in a way that I pray to be loved some day.
There are no words to pay tribute to my father - he was the greatest of men. I love him and miss him. Selfishly, I wish he were still with us, but I know he is with his Savoir - his race has ended. He has received the prize. I can now look forward to meeting him again in that place where there are no more tears - and this hope; this certainty; this peace will carry me through these difficult days.
I love you Dad.
April