Dadd-i-o

Happy Father's Day Dad!  You are still on this earth - although your memories of me have faded long ago.  My memories of you are fresh, and vibrant, and alive.  As I sat by your bed a couple of days ago - I looked into those beautiful eyes and I remembered your amazing spirit.  Something always stirs in them when I talk to you and call you by your name - and remind you for the millionth time that I'm Nicole, your daughter, knowing fully well that inside, your spirit knows that but your mind cannot put that piece of the puzzle together anymore.  I have tried to do all that you asked of me in my life.  I have continued to tell your stories to my children.  I have honored your name.  I have danced in the dark on your toes to music from my imagination.  I have cared for mom, and her home. I have planted seeds in the earth and one by one said, I love you dad, I love you dad, I love you dad as I planted them.  You are today, and always will be alive inside of me as long as I am alive.  You stood for things in life that are rarely found in this world of ours now.  Quiet reserve, tender service, a belief in the earth and mother nature and in the signs she gave you to live day to day.  A respecter of animals and the beauty and purpose they bring to everyone.  God has not forgotten you dad.  He's just reminding me that there is more to learn from your gentle heart, that keeps ticking, and ticking and ticking.  Your mind still reminds it to do that.  Today I honor you.  I pray that you know that your grandchildren have had a great dad.  That your great grandchildren have a great dad, and your legacy will live on and on as long as I possibly have the strength and power to do so.  I love you!  Always save the last dance for mom - but I lay claim to the second to the last dance ok...

To the Dad in my world - Fred Bowen

To the Dad in my children's world - Del

To his father - Ed Hillary - on the other side of this world,

along with Mike's dad.

To Ryan's and Bethany's dad's, Randy, and Mark

To Andy and Emma's dad, Matt

To the future dad's in our family somday:  Mike, Ryan and Ryan

Hope you know that you are all loved.