I know that he was so proud of me for graduating from college, getting my teaching credential and having and raising 2 beautiful kids. He always wanted us to have the things in life that he did not have. That is just what he did. Whether it was my first ballet recital, my first bike, my first car, any good news that made me happy, I could always see that proud look on his face. There was a twinkle in his eye that he was so happy he was able to give me such a privileged life .

My dad and I butted heads at times. He knew how to push my buttons and I knew how to push his. I am so much like my dad. I see it countless times every day. I have my German temper (ask Scott). I like to be punctual and if I am late, I just have a sick feeling in my stomach (Trevor unfortunately is inheriting this anal trait). I am constantly worried about the kids and try to foresee any and all accidents that might occur. This was how my dad was and I am proud of that part of me no mater how annoying it may be to Scott or my brother :)!

There are many traits that I have learned from my dad too. I always put my family first and making sure they are happy and taken care of is my number one priority. I love and respect all of God's creatures. I love all animals. My dad's countless charity letters arrive in the mail daily and my mom and I just smile at them. The amounts of calendars, blankets, shirts, sweatshirts and address labels would really blow your minds. My dad told me never to hold grudges. He said, "What good does it do to hold a grudge? It only causes you pain inside. Just let it go, it's not worth it!" He taught me to see the good in all people and that's something I am trying very hard, in the midst of what has happened, to do and continue doing.

My dad loved my mom so much. I have never seen a more compatible couple in my life. She could put up with his irrational worries and lengthy current event stories. He would cut out several articles a day and highlight/underline all of the important parts and make her a pile and she would read all of them! His usual greeting was, "You ok sweetie?" Even when they brought him into the ER that fateful day, he was lying on the gurney, barely able to move and he turned to my mom and said, "Are you ok, Sweetie?"

I could go on and on about my dad, but I think everyone who even met him once knows how special he was. My mom has told me about countless people (house painters, yoga instructor, mailman, bakery workers, neighbors, people he met while walking Gizmo, insurance agents, bank employees, Costco employees, medical/dental employees, just to name a few) who just adored my dad, people who had just met him once or twice. I think that speaks volumes about his character and I can only aspire to be the kind of human being he was. He will live in my heart and my children's hearts forever and ever.