A quarter of a century ago today, the world lost a great man, and I lost my father. At this distance I still can't say you ever "get over" a loss like this, nor would I want to. The pain of missing him has gone from a stunning punch in the stomach to a dull ache in my heart in the last 25 years, but it's here with me every hour of every day and it always will be.
I often wonder what dad would be like today. Had it not been for his cancer, discovered too late, he could easily have lived to the present day. He would be old, 93, but his brother lived beyond that. I wonder how my life would be different with 25 more years of my dad in it. Or even ten more. Or five. I would have taken anything and it would never be enough.
This kind of daydreaming is of course futile, I'll never get to know. Regardless, I think about it, and my dad, all the time.
Here's to you pops, and the time I did get with you. Nineteen years, which is not nearly enough, but which I will count as nineteen better than none.
2 comments:
Thanks for reminding me Dave -- I knew today was the day but I didn't even try to add it up and 25 is a long time that has gone quickly but all the wonderful memories are there solid.
He was a special guy. Not just because he was our father but he was just a wonderful person. I remember his unique sense of humor, his healthy way of life (ahead of his time), and his strong sense of family. I love you, dad and will always miss you.
Post a Comment