Six Years

Dearest Dad,

Remembering you today.  Thankful for your life, short though it was.  Thankful for the life you invested in me.  Thankful for your strong Bontok blood pumping in me and now makes up a quarter of your beautiful grandson, whom you will never know.  He’s a charmer – much like you.  A fiercely loving and thoughtful little man,  big-hearted and compassionate, all of about 39 inches tall and two months shy of three years.  Strikes me crazy…but I do see a lot of you in your grandson.  We do have the same blood.  My heart breaks knowing he will not ever see you, not on this side of heaven anyway, but his Momma will sure make certain he will get to know you.

I remember…I picture you with your guitar and I can hear your voice.  Grateful to have heard your music.  I’m still groovin’ to them.  It brings wonderful memories of you – your sound and your look when you’re singing and playing the guitar.  A man with an audience of none, simply enjoying his music.  More than once we picked a tune and carried it through but there is one afternoon I especially treasure.  You, the guitar, and a music sheet.  Me and my voice.  Us and Michael W. Smith’s 90’s hit “Friends.”  Got that moment frozen in time and I go back to it from time to time.

Thankful you’ve lived out a kind of stubborn loyalty, not martyrdom, but a stick-with-it attitude to those dearest in your heart, regardless of life’s tempestuous waves and crashes.  Your jolly predilection and hearty loud laughs (drunk or sober) – who could resist?  You’d show your teeth and people notice those little dimples (cute show-offs!) on each side of your lips.  Laughter and smiles – they sure helped you ride those waves…and I’ve learned.

I love you Dad!  And I miss you ever so much.

Layad,
Your Daughter M