Love, your "Softie Pink Cheeks" ( Love letter I wrote and then read at my Dad's funeral)

November 8, 2008         

Dear Dad,

Who could have possibly imagined you’d be taken from us so soon?  So full of life, your contagious laughter and your ever-present smile will forever remain etched in our hearts.  Although the pain seems unbearable and the tears seem unending, we know that God has a greater plan.  Given time, the pain will slowly begin to lessen, and the light will begin to shine through the darkness once again.  Dad, thank you for your life, for sharing it with all of us.  We celebrate the man you were and the incredible legacy you’ve left behind.

My Dad personified love; he spread enthusiasm and exuded optimism everywhere he went.  His love for people was evident by the obvious passion he had for them.  He left an indelible imprint on their minds and hearts.

Everyone was drawn by the man you were, and every gathering was enhanced by your presence.  Thank you for being a Godly example, a loving husband, a faithful friend, a second father to many people, a mentor, a respected pillar of the community, a family man, who was so proud of his children, that he would have given them the moon if they asked for is.  He gave with his whole heart.

Dad, you saw the world through a child’s eyes; everything was exciting and new.  I remember the times when we had tickle sessions with all the kids, and you fondly called us your “chilli-bums.”  And the ways your eyes would light up when giving gifts and receiving them.  I’ll miss your laughter, jokes, and whistling resounding throughout the house.  I’ll miss the closeness we had, the long walks we took together, and how we would swim at the pool down the street.  You were like a kid in a candy store whenever sweets were mentioned or were around.  You will never know how much it has meant to me that you were so involved in the Arthritis Foundation, working so hard on our behalf to find a cure for my disease.

Always a kid at heart, I know how much you wanted to be a grandpa and how much you looked forward to holding your first grandchild.  I’m sorry you won’t get the chance here on earth, but we know you will be with us is spirit and smiling down upon us from Heaven.

I’ll miss hearing you play the piano, sitting beside you and singing together.  In fact, I bet you’re playing piano with the angels right now!

I love you and will always be your softie-pink-cheeks!  I look forward to the day we can run side by side in Heaven.  I love you, Dad!

Laura