Dear Dad...

From Michelle Dawn, USA

Dear Dad,
You have been gone for 2 years today and I miss you so much. Deep down I know you are still with me but I miss our conversations and your advice. I know you would kick my butt for some of the decisions I have made and for still holding on to my grief for you. This is my way of letting it all out so I can cope better. I know you wouldn't want me to be this way but I have such a difficult time getting the picture of you laying dead in bed. I know you are at peace and I'm glad you died peacefully and with a massive heart attack like your brother.

We had our times when I was a teenager when we didn't talk and I know mom had a lot to with that. I also remember you coming home drunk one time and you put your hand through the back door window to get in and you stumbled into walls and mom and you were fighting so bad. I remember mom calling the cops and when they got there you almost hit one. I remember being so scared of you that night. I had never seen you like that before. When the cops took you away you didn't get to come home for 2 weeks because you was put in rehab, which helped out a lot.
I remember watching wrestling with you on TV and laughing at you because you would move like you were helping the wrestlers out. I remember play wrestling with you and laughing because you would tickle me to submit or you would let me win. I remember when you help coach me bowling even as an adult. I remember when you would play catch with me in the backyard when I played softball briefly. I remember when you killed that opossum under the carport with a shotgun and how loud that was.

I remember going to your friends houses for you to play cards and I would annoy all of you or just play. I remember when I finally moved out of mom's and we got to sit down and talk abut the divorce you had with mom and we got to get out everything. The was the best conversation we ever had, because that conversation made us closer than ever. I remember you teaching me how to tune up my old 1979 Plymouth Duster. I remember how you proudly gave me to Randy on my wedding day which happen to be your 50Th birthday also.

I remember how Cathy helped me track you down at the American Legion so I could tell you that I just found mom dead. I couldn't believe how quick you got to her apartment and just hugged me so tight. You stayed by me every step of the way. You always listened when I needed to just talk and if something needed fix you would try your best to fix it. You were the best brake man I knew. You could fix brakes on cars with little effort. There is so much more I remember but I think I'll stop here for now. I'm proud to be your daughter and I feel lucky to have you as a dad. I miss you so very much and I love you with all my heart. God Speed Dad. I'll see you again someday.
Your Daughter,
Michelle

I love my parents... with all of my heart

From Petula Wright - It's a Woman's World ~ Georgia - United State

When I was a little girl I don't remember my dad being around very often because he was a cross country truck driver. But, the times he was around are so engraved in my memory. I hold onto those memories because he passed away when I was 10 years old.

My dad was a jovial guy. He was always joking and laughing. He used to spend time with my brother and I when he was at home... and I remember that he would bring little tokens of his trip home. I still have a rotating nightlight - a mini lamp that made fish float around on my ceiling -- that he gave me when I was about 4 or 5. It is a little broken, but I continue to hold onto it because it's a piece of him.

My memory holds his favorite chair - a recliner, sees his smile and hears all the people (friends and family) talk about what a wonderful man he was. I was daddy's little girl and his death was my first taste at lost and disappointment.

His death left my mother a single parent. My brother, who is 9 years older than I, was already out of the house. She felt it best that we move back to her hometown near her mother. She worked very hard taking care of me. I always had the best she could provide and I actually don't remember doing without. Things were tight... we didn't take vacations or eat out, but we had everything we needed.

My mother and I didn't get along very well during that time period, but I must say that we have grown closer since I've been an adult. I talk to her at least once a week and wish I lived closer to her so I can help her out as she gets older. She re-married when I was about 21 so she isn't alone, but she is in her late 60s so it would be nice to spend time with her and do things for her when needed.

Although I have sad and angry memories, I am thankful that I knew my dad... he touched my life in a way that only a daddy can. And maybe my memories with my mom aren't all sugar and spice, but I am thankful that my mom is still alive to talk to and share things with.

I love my parents... with all of my heart.

I Always was Daddy's Girl...

From Super Mae, Portugal

My parents are everything to me...
I have to say that I always was daddy's girl.He used to take me everywhere and he was always so proud of me...
They got separated when I was16/17, 'cause life wasn't easy on them...Neither on me I have to say...
My dad came for my wedding (he moved to Mozambique after the separation) and what was supposed to be just a family reunion, turned out to be a wedding set for over 100 people...
When I told him I was expecting a baby boy (Filipe, my first son) he was thrilled.After all it was his first grandson...So when Filipe was born, he traveled up here once again to be with his grandson for 1 entire month!...
The day Filipe was turning one year old I got this phone call from Mozambique.I thought it was the proud grandpa wishing a Happy Birthday to the little one...Turned out to be someone with sad news...My dad died that same day on the way to the hospital.Malaria that's what they said it was...He was only 49 years old...
And I miss him dearly...
My mom (she's a sweetie!) lives in a near by small village.I talk to her every single day.I'm always calling her and checking how's she!
She loves to spoil her grandchildren.
So here's some pics.

Me and Dad (way long ago!...)

Me and MomDadMom

Unforgettable Moment

From Martini (Malaysia)

You were standing in front of our house’s gate, holding an umbrella in the middle of a very heavy rain, waiting for your daughter to come back from work and getting ready to fetch her into the house.

It has been eight and a half years since you left us, but I have always remembered this beautiful moment in my life. Every time I recalled this moment, I couldn’t stop my tears streaming down my face. How lucky I was to have you as my father in my life, who always protected and showered me with your love.

Doreen : My Dearest Daddy,

From Doreen Kuok New Zealand.

My dearest Daddy, now a retiree, is the best father I could ever hope for. He is respectable and yet funny the same time. He provides the best he could get for us. I remember and always will, how hard he has worked and saved to get my bro and I where we are today. He has provided us a steady foundation (i.e. education) for I can now enjoy a better life. Daddy also plays a main role in teaching us to be a better person, and till today, he is still constantly reminding us to be respectful, not being wasteful and never look down on people. He, is the foundation and pillar of our family.

I am thankful to be born into this family, and proud to be the daughter of these two very special persons. So, on this special day, I want to thank my parents for bringing me up and for all that they have done for me. Last but not least, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Ling : I Love You Dad

From: Ling (Singapore) ~ Growing Up Together

My papa, who sings very well, is a great fan of Bee Gees and Air Supply. 12 years (and still counting) working with him, I fell in love with oldies as he always tune in to his favourite radio station.

When I was pregnant (twice), he would make efforts to drive me home almost everyday. While at work, he made sure I eat well. He would offer me food in between meals and often buy durians for me because he said durians are nutritious for pregnant woman.

Now blessed with 4 grandchildren, he always showered them with lots of hugs and love. The kids love him very much too!

He is always there to help me and hubby whenever we need help. Once a SOS call is made to him, you can be sure that he will agree immediately.

I am repaying his gratitude towards me by sharing his woes in his business and make sure his fruit of labour will continue.

Happy Father's Day Papa !

Happy Father's Day

Picture by Rina Kroes