Dear Dad,

Dad, when I was a kid you were always perfect to me. You worked hard, played with us kids, had a beautiful singing voice, were strong and patient, always knew how to make Mom laugh, always had a hug ready, and always knew the right things to say. I used to lay in bed on Saturday mornings and listen to you literally whistle while you worked. I loved the way you treated Mom and always told myself I would marry someone who treated me the same way.

You've always been supportive of me and my decisions. I still remember the day I came home from school in the middle of my 9th grade year and announced I wanted to join the swim team. The next day you took me to the pool and met with the high school swim coach. I will never forget my first 500 yard race. I swam my little heart out and when I completed the race I was too weak and exhausted to lift myself out of the pool. Suddenly your hand was there lifting me up into a huge hug, even though I was sopping wet. I had come in dead last, but you hadn't cared.

To be honest, you still are a bit perfect to me. I still love to hear you sing or whistle. You are the one I call when I have a difficult decision and I need someone to discuss it with. I have never wanted anything more than to make you proud. I hope I have in some ways. Because of you I am a mother and wife. If it hadn't been for your gentle prodding to always follow the Lord, your example of prayer and diligence, I don't know if I would have been open to the idea of marriage when Carlin came along. Now I have two kids and you are a grandpa. You are a great Grandpa and I hope my kids will get to know the strong, quiet man whom their mother loves.

I love you Dad.
Aubrey