Tribute to Daddy

     On March 13, 2011, I lost my dad.  He was 84 years old and would be 85 April 30.  It seems I have been  very fortunate in my 54 years not to have lost anyone very close to me.  As my friends around me began losing parents, mostly to old age by now, I have lived in dread of this day and how I would handle it.
     Daddy was a hard worker all his life.  He worked as a welder at his own salvage yard for over 50 years.  He loved his work and I never heard him complain a day in his life abut having to go to work, or about anything, really.  I guess growing up in a farm family of 8 children taught him to be strong, agreeable (with 8 siblings you would have to learn to get along) , and appreciative of what you have.
     He was sick and hospitalized for over eight weeks at the end.  I saw him waste away and slowly lose the will to carry on.  Through those long weeks with doctors trying to figure out what was wrong, I had time to prepare myself for what was to come.  I know God was watching over all of us and that He had a plan.  In the early hours of March 13, as my mom, my sisters, and I held his hands and whispered our love to him, daddy slipped away.  I felt an amazing sense of peace and comfort knowing his struggle had ended and he was finally at peace.  I am so thankful he had a chance to live 84 long and happy years, 63 of those married to my mom.  A friend gave me a card just the other day with a wonderful sentiment.  It goes like this: 

It's never easy to say good-bye, but now and then you'll feel your father's presence in a familiar, comforting way...and you'll feel as if he knows you're thinking of him.  In time, those moments will bring you comfort, and you'll know that his love is never far away.

I love you daddy

Amazing Grace