My Dad

Hey guys - thanks so much for the kind words about my dad. The outpouring of support from friends, family, and acquaintances has been incredible. I think he would be surprised by how many people remember and loved him.

I spent five days with him in April, the first time I had visited since he moved to Florida. We had a great time together - he took me to Busch Gardens and we rode all the roller coasters (including this one - twice!) and I was impressed that at 62, he was still up for it. He instilled in me my love of roller coasters at an early age, encouraging me to stand on my tiptoes when I was still under the required height.

It was a beautiful day, and we had a lot of fun. In fact, it was one of the best days I can remember us ever having.

He had coffee waiting when I woke up, and every morning, he offered to cook me breakfast. We went to the beach a couple times and he laughed at how pale I was (looking around, we confirmed that I was indeed the palest one on the beach!). We had a great time exploring the Salvador Dali museum, and he took me around to meet some of his neighbors. He seemed happy, enjoying life and traveling, and I am so glad he had five years to live 'the good life.'

I went down for a couple of days last week to start taking care of things and found a birthday card for me at his house. He hadn't written it out yet, but it said "To my daughter: I hope your birthday turns out just as great as you did." I took it home with me. My dad was proud of me, and that makes me feel so good.

Yesterday was 'our day' - my birthday, and Father's Day. To say it was a hard day would be a vast understatement. He was a complicated man, and we didn't always see eye to eye on things, but I always loved him and am already missing him dearly.

Thanks for inviting me to post here, Jill - I know Dad would be tickled to see all of the memories you guys have of him!

--Sue