Dear Dad…

Dear Dad,

I can’t believe it’s been almost nine years since we lost you. In some ways it seems like yesterday, in other ways… like a lifetime ago. My girls ask about you so often. It amazes me how curious they are about who you were and what you were like. Something deep inside them longs to feel connected to you. And, I don’t think it’s accidental that each of them has a characteristic or two that reminds me of you.

The oldest one has your intensity. She can be as stubborn as an ox, but she’s determined to do whatever she’s doing well. She is driven and focused. And, also like you, she loves an adventure. Whether it’s wave-jumping at the beach or a roller coaster at Disney World, she’s up for it. She loves to travel and see new places and try new things. She would be the one to want to parasail with you!

The middle one has your compassion. She insists she doesn’t want to be a doctor. But honestly, Dad, she would have your bedside manner. She listens well and remembers everything. She asks good, hard questions. Thousands of them. And, she really cares deeply about people. {Ever cautious, she would never go parasailing with you or anyone else for that matter}.

And, then there’s the youngest one. She’s two ~ your favorite age, and I think you’d find her amusing. She has your slyness and perhaps your confidence. She is sneaky and proud of it, and I think you might be impressed with her creativity in the mischief department. She’s the baby of the family like you were, and she seems to be quite content with that role. {She would definitely want to go parasailing with you, and she would do something crazy while doing it}.

I sure wish you could meet them. Even more, I wish they could know you. They would play badminton and checkers with you, show you their latest dance moves, tell you long stories, and probably try to manipulate you {they’re very persuasive}. For sure, they would love you. I think your perpetual calmness would bring some balance to their drama. And if not theirs, it would do volumes for mine!

As always, I miss you. We all miss you. But, I rest confident in the hope that you are in the awesome presence of Christ and the many others we love and long to see again. Know that your legacy lives on in some spirited little lives.

With much love,

Hollie