A Tribute to My Father

My mother and father shared their birthday every year! Dad was born on March 8, 1918, and my mother on March 8, 1920. (Daddy passed away in January of 2000, and Mom just recently. ) On their birthday in 1997 I wrote each one a special letter. Here is the letter I wrote my Daddy:

March 1997

To my sweet Dad on his 79th birthday,

Thank you, Dad, for being my strong, kind and loving dad!

I am so furtunate to have you as my father. You have always loved me. As I was growing up, you were always there.

You provided me a very happy childhood. I was free to tease the neighbors' rooster, skate on the river, ride my bike all the way to Grandma's house.

Ours was a comfortable home in a community where everyone knew and respected you.

You took me to church to learn the important things in life.

You were a good example of a solid, stable and hard-working citizen.

When I brought my report cards home from school for you to sign, I was so proud when you'd say, "That's pretty good, isn't it?"

You sent me to the college of my choice to pursue whatever course I wanted.

You gladly accepted my Walter and walked me down that aisle.

You are still my sweet and precious dad, and I love you!

Marie.