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A Tribute To My Father

Today would have been my father’s 73rd birthday. It has been 7 ½ years since his passing. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him in some way. This is my tribute to him.

My father was a very special man. As young as I can remember he was always willing to help out any family member or friend. He had such a sunny disposition, ever the optimist. My father did not graduate High School since his father had passed away when he was young and he had to take care of his mother and two sisters. I am proud to say that he eventually went back to night school and received his GED.

My father was a very giving man. He had a wonderful sense of humor. I’ve been told numerous times in my life that I am definitely my father’s daughter where humor is concerned. When I was a little girl, all I had to do was sit on his lap and call him “Sport” and he melted in my hands. I was able to get things when I played this trump card. It doesn’t work too well with my husband though!!.

My father never really got angry but when he did, watch out!!! I remember one time I stayed out so late, I didn’t come home till morning. I knew I was in big trouble and was dreading the confrontation. Let’s just say I got into big trouble and leave it at that.

One wish that my father had was to make it to his 65th birthday. If I had known that this would be the last birthday we would celebrate together, I would have told my mother let’s throw him a surprise 65th birthday rather than just taking him out someplace special.

Mid-August of 2000 was the last time he entered the hospital. In hindsight, I think my father knew he wasn’t going to survive. He started talking to me about DNR’s and how he didn’t want to live anymore. The day before he passed away was one of his best days since being in the hospital. When we said good night to him that night my mother felt something wasn’t right. She noticed that his body was swelling up again and she felt uneasy about leaving but she left anyway.

My father passed away on November 1, 2000 in the early morning. I was amazed as to how many people showed up at the funeral home as well as for the graveside service. I was really touched by the number of people that came from my job as well as my mothers, let alone other family members and friends.

It’s been 7 ½ years since my father passed and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him.

So in closing, I just want to say Happy Birthday Sport. I miss you so much!!!!