My Dad, was a man of no complaint. But he felt so much for others. He always made sure that we were taken care of. I knew I wanted to be just like him as I grew up. He worked hard most of his life, until he got hurt at work.

He loved his wife, and his children very much. He strived endlessly it seemed to keep us all happy. And I think he knew we appreciated him, and loved him.

I can remember all those special things he did for us. One of them being, every friday night, he would bring us soda, and chips. We use to call it our "Pop and Chip night". And he would never forget to do that. He always made sure we had great holidays, reguardless of which holiday it was. And no matter what gifts we bought him for holidays, he always loved them. I remember the last gift I got for him, a new leather wallet, I think he had his old wallet his whole life, and it was time for him to have a new one, instead of another bottle of Aqua Velva. He never got to use it, so I kept it, and never returned it to the store.

When Dad passed away in December of 1985, we were all pretty much crushed. And it still saddens me in a way, not sad for him, but for myself. You see, I never got to say good bye. I don't remember much of that night or the days following. Maybe God saw it better that I wasn't there at that moment. Maybe God thinks I shouldn't remember all the details. But I am assured of one thing, that Dad is far better off than he was.

Thirteen years later, 1998 we found out that Dad had needed a heart catherization done. I don't need to ask why he didn't tell us when he was still with us, because I know already. I think Dad was ready to go, and God was ready to accept him home. I don't think he wanted his family to worry about it or him. Dad never really discussed his health with any of us. I still have to wonder though, if things would have been different if he would have had it done, if I would still have my Dad today.

The midi you hear playing is "Wind Beneath My Wings" last done by Bette Middler. The reason for this song is because it constantly played after dad passed, and it helped ease the pain a little for me. It was so like my dad and I, it describes the very way I feel about him.

Dad, I miss you so much, and I ache sometimes because youre not here, but I know you are in a much better place. I know you are with me, I feel you almost everyday. There is still so much that I wish I could have told you. I wish I could have told you I loved you that day, or at least say good bye. But I know it wasn't meant to be that way. So many things left for us to do, or discover together. I miss you so much. I know you loved me unconditonally, as I did you.

There will always be an place in my heart filled with memories of you, and of everything you have ever done for us. I share your pictures with my kids, they know who you are even though they never got to meet you in person.

I hope that mom is with you Dad, she took a turn for the worse after she lost you. I tried so hard to be strong the following years after you went home. I tried my best to be there for mom, but somehow I feel like I did not suceed. You were always so strong for all of us, you never let us down. I will always love that about you. You truly were, and still are the wind beneath my wings! I may not have you in body, but I will always have you in memory, and in my heart. Always remember I love you Dad, always and forever.

Happy Birthday Dad for every year!! Miss you!