What can’t I say about Dad? He was the kindest, strongest, most humble, laid back man. He had the biggest heart, and the greatest ability for understanding. He told the best bad jokes, and gave the best advise – sometimes, I think without even realizing he was doing so. I remember this one time we were golfing and I was grabbing my 7 iron, Dad said I should use my 9, but I said “I like my 7”, to which he replied, “Well, sometimes what we like isn’t what we need.” It was like a light bulb went off in my head, and I don’t think he realized the weight of those words, how they impacted me, and how I still carry them to this day. Now, it hasn’t helped my golf game any, but it has definitely helped me in other areas.
I mentioned his bad jokes, boy were those a treat, and the worse they were the more he seemed to enjoy telling them. We always knew when they were coming too, either by the way his stance would change, or hearing him say, “Hey, did I tell ya…?” Dan and I were privy to his final bad joke the day he went into the hospital, and I feel it is my duty to share it.
Why didn’t the Mexican go to the bullfight? Because he didn’t habanero.
I could easily go on and on about how great Dad was, and how important he was to me, but for time and anxiety management I’ll condense things. I do want to share a poem I wrote for him several years ago. Thankfully, I had given him a copy.
Many of us have heroes
Who lead remarkable lives
But few could ever measure up
To the hero in my eyes
Sacrificing and unselfish
Never asking for praise
Always willing to give his all
Never expecting to be repaid
Dependable and loyal
Strong and always true
Yet even with a human flaw
I model my son to be like you
Faithful and devoted
Always there for me
I couldn’t be more proud
Of the father God gave to me
Dad, I will miss your face, your smile, your voice, your laughter, your wisdom, your unsolicited preachings, your perfectly executed bad jokes, and simply your mere presence. Always the gentle giant, and the strongest man I knew – you never failed to provide love, comfort, understanding, and acceptance. I always knew I could come to you with anything and be free of judgement. Thank you for teaching me how to be a good person, for allowing me to be myself, for always being supportive, and for being my rock all these years. You are leaving an irreparable void, but I made you a promise years ago, and I will hold true to that. I am so very sorry you had to go through what you did to get to Heaven, but I am glad you are now at peace, and hopefully golfing up a storm up there.
I love you Daddy-O
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Life According To G 