Dear dad:

I'm glad I get to spend another Father's Day being able to talk with you on the phone. When you were diagnosed with IPF 5 years ago, I wasn't sure how many Father's days, birthdays, holidays or even just quiet afternoons we would have together. Then in January when you were diagnosed with prostate cancer, again I was not sure how long we would have. I am thankful for each and every day I get to have with you. You are bravely fighting IPF and have been kicking cancer's ass - never, ever give up!!

You have been there for me through the great times and the really horrible times. When I fell off my bike, you were there with a hug and a band aide. When I went off to college, you were there to load up the van and take all my crap up as well as to drive up on football weekends to hang out at Papa Joes with me. When I found myself in an abusive relationship, you never gave up on me and helped me escape and restart my life. You were supportive of the first marriage, and supportive when it ended. You were there through everything with the hysterectomy, the bipolar and all the issues all of that brought. You helped me move to KY to start over again, and are very supportive of my new life here. You have never given up on me, especially when everyone else did or when I did.

You taught me the joys of reading, taking long drives at the spur of the moment, doing things for others because it is the right thing to do, cooking, gardening and how awesome sci fi books are. You encourage me to explore my love of music and art, to be creative and color outside the lines and to make my own paths in this world. You went with me to art exhibits, golf tournaments, all my orchestra concerts and musicals in school without every biatching once. You instilled how important family and friends are, to never sacrifice yourself or your beliefs, and to always be the person who does the right thing. You let me be me.

I know Grandpa was never there for you. He was battling demons of his own, and unfortunately one of those was your biological mom who died so young. Grandpa didn't know how to take care of you or even himself. When he married Margie, she wanted you all to be a family, but Grandpa wouldn't let that happen. Over the years you tried so hard to make us all family, but Grandpa wouldn't let it happen. It wasn't until near the end of his life when he allowed himself to have you back as his son, and allowed you and your brother to be equal. After grandpa died, Grandma Margie told us all many things, and was finally allowed to embrace you as her son. I know you miss her dearly,a s do we all.

Thank you for celebrating a very happy and wonderful day with me in January and for standing beside me!

You have done so much for so many, from family you cared for in their golden years, to kids who just needed a shoulder to lean on, to me through my darkest hours and suicide attempts. You never let go, left or gave up.

You have stood by Mom through 45 years of marriage, your love for each other growing every day. Sometimes it was tough, but again, you never let go, left or gave up.

I am thankful to have you and mom, and for every day I get to talk with you, see you or get emails and texts from you. I can never tell you thank you enough. Thank you for being my hero, my parent when I need it, my friend when I asked, and my dad all the time. Love ya, old man...

liverleef: Dear Dad, please don't come back as a zombie and eat everyones brains. that is all.

WINNAR!!

phenn: Your dad is a handsome dude. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you - he is a great guy.

And thank you for sharing, too!