A Letter to my Father.
Dear Dad.
My memories of you that stand out most in my mind are of you standing at the bottom of the stairs and me jumping into your arms with full trust that you would catch me.
Of you teaching me how to fish, going to the river at 5 in the morning to get the right spot and waiting until six a.m. to cast the line in the water on opening day.
Of you showing me how to build with wood and teaching me how to use a hammer and nails.
Of you showing me how to build a box kite for the all the neighborhood kids to enjoy.
Taking us swimming at the gorge.
Taking in the cousins to raise and putting up with 7 children running around the house.
Of your sacifrices so that you could send me to the private school.
Of putting up with my jokes and somewhat peculiar idea of what fun was. (sorry I scared you)
Of your staying up late when I missed curfew (sorry on that one to)
Of giving me a nickname that I always have to explain.
Of your teaching me the beauty of all music.
Of your teaching me the beauty of art.
I thank you for being the one person in the family who showed up when I was baptized,
For the one person in the family who showed up for my solo flight.
For picking me up when I was knocked down and felt I could not go on.
You taught me grace, patience and most of all how to love.
I think of you often and I am grateful that you were my father.
I know in heaven you are watching us and I hope we have made you proud.
Your loving daughter, Sue (Luke)
