Dad,
From the start, we were bonded together. Shortly after my birth, Mom was hospitalized and you were there for me. You were the kind of father that many never have. One that was completely devoted to the welfare of his wife and children. You time after time, put your needs aside to keep us safe and more importantly provide both John and I a very normal childhood despite all the moving and times we had to face mom’s illnesses together.
I am deeply grateful that you supported me throughout my life. Without you, I would not be where I am. There would be no Ph.D. without your influence. You ensured that both John and I always went to great schools and lived in great neighborhoods. This shaped my personality and helps me be a great educator to this day. Even when we had to live at the Pike Motel for several years, you chose this so we could stay in the same high school and have some sense of consistency.
Thank you for all the rounds of golf, days of shooting basketballs, and teaching me how to change a tire.
Thank you for being a gentle giant with a very compassionate soul. People ask me why I am so giving, it is because of YOU!
Thank you for NEVER giving up on mom. On many days, you had to endure things that many could never imagine. Thank you for being my partner in compassion as we traveled many hours to see mom during her numerous hospitalization over the lifetime. You showed me what is needed from caregivers when our loved ones have to face the fear associated with chronic illness.
Thank you for showing both John and me how a man should treat a woman and lighting up every time you saw Matt when we visited with you at the nursing home.
More importantly, thank you for being a Parkinson’s Warrior. The disease was unkind to you yet you still smiled. You still could find joy amongst the pain you had to endure each day for 11 years while you lived in a body that was failing you. It is a model of strength that I plan to continue in your memory and to help your legacy live one.
Although I plan on not seeing you for another 52 and ½ years, I do hope that you will be the one to come and give me the two-week notice that you gave me in the end. You knew I was serious and delivered. Goodbye, Dad but the song from “I’ll Find You” by Lecrae and Tori Kelly reminds me that you will find me again when the time comes.
Love,
Cherie
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