Letters To My Father

Dear Father,

It's been almost 2 months since you passed. Life is amazing, in that even
though you've gone onto the next phase, we keep muddling along here.
People extend their condolences, perfect strangers who if I didn't have your
death certificate in hand, would presume you were alive and kicking somewhere
To them I tell them you lived a long, and very rewarding life. 92 years. No
small feat in any one's estimate.

That your home was to the covered eye, a beautiful home, with all the amenities is true. To the naked, uncovered eyes of your children, (your own,
and your stepchildren) the place was a pack rat's heaven!
I have held in my hands, since your passing interesting sized boxes.... I only
have to remember the hoards of interesting sized boxes we uncovered at your
house to remember I don't want my children to remember me as a saver of
interesting sized boxes, and hurriedly toss them in the recycle box.
I seriously think twice before saving anything now... my life's possessions
fit in my car, except for some furniture that the girl's have, I've either donated
or tossed everything else.

I looked at your living will the other day. Remembering all the pain,
and uncomfortable things you put up with towards the end.
Father, I would have brought you home in an instant if I could have,
for you to end your days in the house you saved, gazing with fondness
at the lake you sailed, and cruised. You could have fought all your
Navy battles in your mind looking at the lake. But, sadly your living
will left the boys in charge, and there was no way they would ever
allow you to come home. sometimes a woman's heart is in the right
place, even if their business mind is not what you would call cut throat.
Sometimes, Father it truly is the heart that cares.

Was truly sad to see your life end up in 2 dumpsters. I am still amazed
that the Salvation Army was not in the least interested in yours and Max's
life belongings. We gave away to churches what we could, took what we
wanted, things we couldn't have,and enjoy when you were alive, we got
in the end. You'll be glad to know that I got your music collection, and the
art that I wanted, beyond that there really wasn't anything that meant much
to me, although I do thank you for all the childhood pictures of the kids.

It's too bad that you kept us apart us and Max's children. That Tina and I are
such good friends was because I came over unannounced one Labour Day when
she was in town. You and Max had all those anniversaries, birthday's, holiday's
to share the families, and you chose to keep us apart. As though we weren't
good enough for them, or they us.

Well, we ran into a speed bump with the truck. Seems the box is not fork-lift
rated, so we are having one built to our specifications. Probably for the
best. Although it backs up our start date by four to six weeks, we will just tighten the belt a little more snugly.

You do realize that I am the only one who left her job to come home, and see you through your last months?
It's been rough but, for you, Father I would do it again, gladly.
I'll re-assess how I deal with the other family members though, some have
been supportive, others free loaders, the free loaders have grazed to the
stubble their last meal with me.

Be blessed wherever you are Father. Look at us when we are plying the highways
and back roads. Know that although we were never really close, you are my
Father, and I am your only daughter. And, I do love you,and always will.