A Letter to Dad.

Dad holding me when I was a toddler.

I wanted to give dad something on the 12th at his Christmas day. I struggled with what that would be. I decided to write him a letter, but I knew that in dads condition it couldn't be too wordy and too complicated. So instead of spending a week writing and rewriting and over editing I came up with a short letter that summed it all up very simply. Looking over it now, it reads somewhat childlike. It was a collaboration between my adult self and my 12 year old inner child. It also didn't help that I was a total emotional wreck as I wrote it. I wanted it to read as the present and not past tense. Dad is still with us and as long as he is nothing is past tense.

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Dad,
You started me out early in life with walks in the woods and fishing trips that always led to discussions about birds and animals and amphibians and fish. You taught me how to fish, from tying knots for hooks, to how to fish for certain fish, and how to cast a line and how to motor and paddle a boat. You taught me how to properly put a cricket on a hook, which is why I will always use crickets when I fish. You taught me about birds. You taught me about how to identify them and I love to talk to you about them so much. You taught me how to take care of my fishing equipment, how to take care of basic car maintenance, how to take care of a lawn mower. You’ve taught me how to deal with people, and you’ve always taught me to love and appreciate people and how to forgive. I do all those things because you showed me how by living the example and I’m glad that I am able to do that. All these things will benefit me for the rest of my life and I have those things only because you love me enough to show me those things. You have made me the happiest and richest man alive. You have given me so much that will give me joy for the rest of my life. You have solved so many problems for me and I was always able to see why you gave me the solutions you did and because of that I am able to solve problems with greater ease now. You have handed me down so much wisdom.
I have discovered that the older I get the more like you I am becoming. I have your sense of humor and I have your seriousness, I have your gentleness and kindness. I even have a voice similar to yours. I know we have always had a little confusion because we share the same name. That use to be a bit frustrating at times for us, but I have grown to cherish that name, only because it’s yours as well.
So as my life continues I look forward to rediscovering your family. I am going to make it a point to get out and visit them more often. I look forward to enjoying all the things you’ve instilled in me.
I love you so much dad, I can’t say that enough. I feel loved by you and I always have and I always will.

Love your Son