Thanks, Dad

You had passed on 4 years before. It seemed to have been so long ago. I finished high school, moved far away, And was hoping to find a better way. Still, I wondered if I could thrive like you; If I could help improve the livelihood of mom. In so many ways Dad, you were always on my mind. When driving or gardening, you are on my mind Because you taught me how best to do both. Even now, when I tie my shoes, I think of you because You showed me how to lace when I was very young. When I was learning to raise a family, I wondered If I could provide for them like you did for us. I often thought about how you spoke of moving west, But you always remained east of the Mississippi. I never planned or desired for it to happen Dad, but I moved to California and lived there for 40 years. In so many ways, you have always been on my mind. I'm sure that it was the things you said and did. You were on my mind because you believed in family, Never leaving or forsaking us, keeping us protected, Sheltered, fed, and warm. Thanks, Dad. Missing you. 05223124PS