So many images come to mind
whenever I speak your name;
It seems without you in my life
things will never be the same.

What happened to those lazy days
when I was just a child;
When my life was consumed in you
in your love, and in your smile.

What happened to all those times
when I always looked to you;
No matter what happened in my life
you could make my gray skies blue.

Dad, some days I hear your voice
and turn to see your face;
Yet in my turning ... it seems
the sound has been erased.

Dad, who will I turn to for answers
when life does not make sense;
Who will be there to hold me close
when the pieces just don't fit.

Oh, Dad, if I could turn back time
and once more hear your voice;
I'd tell you that out of all the dads
you would still be my choice.

Please always know I love you
and no one can take your place;
Years may come and go
but your memory will never be erased.

Today, Lord are you listening
in your heavenly home above;
Would you go and find my dad
and give him all my love.

It's been 17 years since my father died and
there isn't a week that goes by without me
passing his picture in my photo gallery and
saying "Hello Dad, I miss you". I know he hears
my whispered words and smiles down upon me from
his heavenly place of honor. Dad was a Navy man
through and through. He loved to take out his album
of mementos from WW II and show us the medals he won,
the places he visited and the fun he had running into
his brothers-in law during his stop in Italy and France.
Dad was delighted when I was born and he chose my name,
making it that much more special for me. I recall the
stories of his Navy exploits, of going AWOL to see mom
after she gave birth. It was long into my adulthood
when I finally became true friends with my dad but
the bond we developed was strong and made up for the
awkward years when it was hard for me to talk to him
as a father. He had a difficult time with his health
and nearly died several times from complications
in his hear, lungs and kidneys. But in the end,
he went peacefully, in his sleep and for that
I am thankful.
I love you Dad. You will always be in my heart.

Your daughter, Rita