For my Dad

There will never be another relationship in my life like the one I shared with my father.  He was a gentle man.  He took care of his family. He was totally responsible. He never ran out on us. He was always present in the home. He was faithful to my mother and provided our family's every need and much of our wants. He demanded and taught me to love and respect and allowed me to find my own understanding.  He cared when he couldn't show it. But when he could show it, he made it known with no reservation. He was proud, yet humble.  He loved teaching me about old cars.  His Model  A Ford was one of his pride and joys.  He took great care of my first car, a 1953 Dodge that my brother David gave me.  And my second car, a 1967 Mustang that I had for 23 years, thanks to my Dad always being my mechanic.  No matter what I did to provoke anger or frustration in him while growing up making all my mistakes, he'd found a way to forgive me, then taught me something from them. He was ever patient with a heart of gold.  He would discipline me when I needed it. Everything I've had and have to face, now that he's no longer here to show or tell me, I still can find out the solutions for from all he's sufficiently and unselfishly gave me. He taught me how to manage my life and face another day.  There's work I now have to seek and find out for myself. But I'm not afraid because I have something remarkable in my memories of him. Daddy....you're missed more than you know. Thank you is not enough, but all I can say. If anybody is as fortunate as me, God bless them.  But I'm sure I've have the best father-daughter experience in this world...and God shared him with me! Rest in peace Pop.  You will be forever in my heart.