Saturday, February 19, 2011
My dad was the best dad there could ever have been. He was selfless, empathetic, understanding, generous beyond words, brilliant yet modest, kind to all. My friends all envied me. He was the first to volunteer to drive my friends to and from everywhere and put up with our giggling and nonsense. When my mom would insist that my sister and I practice piano or do our homework, he would say, "Give them a break, Kathleen." He took care of all of us all of the time, and he took care of my daughters, baby sitting Alissa even as an infant so that I could work. Through the dark hours of my divorce and its aftermath, he was there supporting us and trying to make our lives easier. He was not only a father to me and Eileen, but to my daughters, Alissa and Deanna as well. By the time Samantha was born, Dad was suffering the effects of his failing memory, and though he couldn't quite figure out exactly who she was, he enjoyed her presence, and she was one of the few people in these last years, who made him smile and laugh.
Dad, I will miss you more than I can ever say. I feel your loss with unimaginable intensity. I love you forever and always. I know you walk with Jesus now, and I take great comfort in that.
Mary Ellen
