A letter for my Daddy
Dear Daddy,
I just wanted to let you know what a great Daddy you have always been. Since you were in Germany (serving your country) when I was born and for the next 15 months, we got off to a rocky start -or so I'm told. I'm sorry that it took me so long to warm up to having a man in my life. I remember the first barbie I ever got. You gave it to me the night before you left for Vietnam. I cherish the memory and that doll. It was so hard when you left. I don't think that I understood the concept of time (that you'd be gone for 2 years), but I sure do remember mother crying for days while sitting on our porch swing. You just don't forget things like that. I loved the way that we would have a tape recorder on the kitchen table and we would talk to you while we had dinner and then you would send it back with messages to us. It was always so good to hear your voice. You were gone to Vietnam for 2 tours, which is a long time to be away from your wife and children. And for us to not have you around. You are a hero. You are my hero. I'm sorry that it took growing up to realize it. I am especially sorry for not telling you before now. You sacrificed your personal life to serve our country, to provide rights and freedoms for us.You did it proudly. I will always remember how Mother looked at you when you wore your dress uniform. She just fell in love again, every time. Our eyes just beamed at you, looking so handsome. I remember it well. When I was 16 years old and I had to come and tell you that I was pregnant - it was the hardest thing I'd ever done. I knew how disappointed you would be. You and Mother had taught me right from wrong and I had made a mistake. Although you were heartbroken, you loved me unconditionally. Just like my Heavenly Father. You had faith in me and my now husband of over 27 years. I know how heartbroken you were to have to call me and tell me that Granny had died. You knew it would rip my heart out. You have always been there through good and bad and I love you for that.
The early morning phone call that I got telling me that you had been taken to the hospital by ambulance and that you were not responding was a moment I'll never forget. I knew that you were already gone. I raced the 4 hour drive "home" praying that I was wrong and that I would at least be able to say good-bye. It wasn't meant to be. It was so sudden - no warning. I was privileged to press that dress uniform that you looked so handsome in, for you to wear for your last viewing. You did indeed look handsome in it. We were proud to honor you and your life on Valentines day 5 years ago. We stood proud and tall as the military honored your service to our country. The flagged draped coffin was regal and well deserved. The gun salute was dignified and it seemed like it announced your arrival to a better place, with our Lord (although I know you were already there). Taps, sadly playing in the distance was the mournful sound of our hearts breaking.
You are my Hero. Please forgive me for not telling you before now. I love you! Happy Birthday!
February 25, 1934
February 12, 2001
Beautiful, Faith. I appreciate the way you so highly honored him in writing this. I'm grateful to those who volunteer to be this nation's heroes.
Posted by: HolyMama! | February 23, 2006 at 11:18 PM
I agree - so beautiful. We are so lucky to have men like your father who fight for our freedoms. And we should also be grateful and appreciative to the families that also make the sacrifice of sharing their loved ones to fight for our country.
Posted by: Amber | February 24, 2006 at 12:14 AM
Very touching! Thanks for sharing a personal part of "you!"
Posted by: momrn2 | February 24, 2006 at 12:35 AM
Okay, you made me tear up! I still have my dad, but we've been having a few scares lately with him. (Turns out he has to have the same type of brain surgery I had a year ago. So I got my "bad brain" from him!) Anyway, my dad is one of my heroes too. Too often I take him for granted. Thanks for reminding me not to do that! And if you think of it, please offer up a prayer for my dad!
Posted by: Heather | February 24, 2006 at 08:08 AM
That was a tough one to get through!
Posted by: Courtney | February 24, 2006 at 09:32 AM
That is so sweet and beautiful!! I'm going to call my dad right now and tell him how I feel. Yes, he's my hero too and I haven't told him yet!!
Posted by: Mama B | February 24, 2006 at 11:07 AM
I must agree with Courtney..... VERY hard to get through for me as well. We all miss him dearly.....The way you described the funeral was truly how it was for all of us. He was a wonderful Grandpa.
Posted by: Alexandra | February 24, 2006 at 03:43 PM
I needed this!! I need to make a phone call!!
Thanks!
Corina
Posted by: corinabowen | February 24, 2006 at 03:45 PM
I loved this- My mom died four months ago and I've written about it twice (Nov- "Embracing My Mom" and "A Blessing") and it's always nice to see other people who've been thru the death of a loved one put that journey into words.
Posted by: Anne Glamore | February 27, 2006 at 10:00 AM
You are right. Very handsome. Very brave. What an honor it must have been to know him. Thank you for sharing a little bit of him in this post.
Posted by: Shelley | February 28, 2006 at 01:48 PM
What a lovely, father-honoring post. My father died 12 years ago and I miss him terribly, still. I can only imagine how YOU felt when you got that phone call. This reminds me I'm not alone. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: ANNE | March 01, 2006 at 08:20 PM