Matthew, Larissa, Raymond, Allan & Aunt Joanne; I know the pain you are all feeling at this time with the loss of your father as I too went through the very same pain many years ago with the loss of mine. Trust me though, as time goes by this pain will diminish and will be followed by a life time of pleasant memories of a man that was 50% of the reason that we grace this planet and can love our own children as our fathers loved us. My memories of your father were ones of admiration and respect. He and your mother where key figures in my childhood. Together they made birthdays and Christmas’ very memorable occasions. From me and my family to each of yours, we send you our deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad. I leave each of you with the following words to read as I have often read because to me they ring so true in my relationships with Monika and Carolyn.
“A Fathers Love”
Fathers seldom say “I love you”
Though the feeling’s always there,
But somehow those three little words
Are the hardest ones to share.
And fathers say “I love you”
In ways that words can’t match –
With tender bedtime stories –
Or a friendly game of catch!
You can see the words “I love you”
In a father’s boyish eyes
When he runs home, all excited,
With a poorly wrapped surprise.
A father says “I love you”
With his strong helping hands –
With a smile when you’re in trouble
With the way he understands.
He says “I love you” haltingly,
With awkward tenderness –
(It’s hard to help a four-year-old into a party dress!)
He speaks his love unselfishly
By giving all he can
To make some secret dream come true,
Or follow through a plan.
A father’s seldom-spoken love
Sounds clearly through the years –
Sometimes in peals of laughter,
Sometimes through happy tears.
Perhaps they have to speak their love
In a fashion all their own.
Because the love that fathers feel
Is too big for words alone!
~ Author Unknown ~
