Honor your hero with thoughts, memories, images and stories.
I have come to realize time will likely never enable the aching rift in my being to heal or the illogical belief that as your Father I failed to keep you safe. Fathers are supposed to be the guardians. I also know Sons grow to be men, leave to take on the world and if lucky, become Fathers. The strength and kindness I saw in you as you grew to manhood has always filled me with such wonder, such pride. All through my life's journey I always embraced learning and exploring the wonder of this world, but I never found my purpose until you and your Sister arrived. You both have allowed me the undeserved private joy of feeling somehow I was more blessed than others. Now, about the only peace I find is in the early morning, for a brief moment, when I brush off the fog of sleep. But, as I open my eyes the emptiness always returns. I sense each day will continue to test my resolution and question my purpose. Perhaps this is part of life's plan. Oh how I miss our bear hugs, your laughter and the warmth of your being. When you walked toward the Officier's Quarters at Jacksonville, turned and hugged me again I was overwhelmed by the uncomfortable awareness life would be changing for everyone. How I wish it could have been simply an arm or a leg.
Love,
Dad