Merry Christmas, Dad

Merry Christmas, Dad by Amy Swanson Dad, I always think of you every day... but holidays like this can make it a little harder. I hear the Christmas songs of cheer see the lights up in the square the busy murmurs of people shopping for their loved ones... It seems almost perfect. The tree, the lights, the gifts, the songs and plays joyful vacation days; but something's missing. The voice that rang throughout the house Christmas season singing triumphantly, beautifullly "O Holy Night" I still can't listen to that song without hearing your strong voice in my ears. The hands that wiped my tears, wrapped my Christmas presents made his special "banana pudding recipe" left me letters from Santa. Oh dad... how I miss you. I know they say time heals and life goes on and all those other wonderful cliches that people always tell you simply because they don't know what else to say. I will never forget you - my hero, my protector. I speak of you often to my own little girl want her to know the grandpa she can't meet yet... the grandpa who would love her so. Dad, you are always in our hearts and minds, I never got to say thank you... for everything. for helping me to be the woman I am today. I look at my reflection in the mirror - I can also see you. I sing my songs - and I can also hear you. I laugh... and sometimes I can hear your laughter too. My daughter smiles at me... and you are in her smile. I wish that you could know how much you've always meant to me and all the things that you have done to shape my life, so positively... But all that I can say, is this: Merry Christmas, Dad. I love you.