Sometimes life brings things your way that you don't understand and are not quite ready for. During the past two weeks, life brought me just that very thing. Today I said Good Bye to my Daddy for the last time. For sometime now my Dad has been struggling with COPD. He gave us a scare last Summer but somehow bounced back with renewed strength. My Dad was a very strong man and most of the time it was easy to forget just how sick he really was. But on April 14 he told my Mom that he was just not feeling right and maybe they should make the trip to the hospital. During the week's stay the doctors were not very encouraging with their reports but my Dad remained strong and we were able to take him home on Good Friday-- just in time for Easter. We had a wonderful visit with him enjoying his favorite do wop music, laughing and reminiscing.
He was such a proud Pap Pap and he loved his boys so very much! We were also blessed to have him with us to celebrate my son Alex's 20th birthday.
That evening we watched one of his favorite movies, "Return of the Pink Panther". He had watched it so many times over the years that he was reciting the lines before they were even spoken. We laughed at all the funny lines together as a family. I am so thankful that this night will be the last memory Alex will have of his Pap Pap. Three days later on April 29 my Dad's lungs became to tired to carry on and he went home to be with his Savior. So today we said Good Bye........
There is something special about a little girl and her Daddy. Even though I am not a little girl anymore that something special remains. I will miss the way he called me "Meems" I will miss his stories, his laughter, and his smile. I will miss his hugs and kisses. I will miss watching him fill with pride as he spent time with my son. I will miss how he enjoyed just hanging out with my husband. I will miss his "I love yous"
Even though I must say Good Bye for now I know it is not forever. Because my Dad, on April 17, accepted Christ as his personal savior I know that we will see eachother once again in heaven. But until that day I will hold tight to the memories I have and to the assurance that my Daddy loved me very much.
