Dad will always hold a special place in our lives

“Dad will always hold a special place in our lives, full of memories of how he has shaped our futures and guided us through thick and thin”.

A letter to my late father
16 June 2018

It has been more than 10 years since I last saw you, spoke to you, touched your hand, hugged you or just sat on your presence. I miss you! I really, really miss you.
I miss the sound of your voice, the footsteps with those shiny black shoes, how you would call me Kumek (you are the only one who called me by that nickname). I miss your voice! I really wish we could talk right now. I miss ...your words of wisdom, I miss your sense of humor, I think you would like my sense of humor too, though I tend to be crazier than you were. I miss the sound of your laughter.

Every year on Father's Day, I have to admit (and this may sound silly and pretty), but I am a little envious of all the people who get to spoil their dads on Father's Day. In my head, I already have your gift (apparently it will be a polish to shine your shoes), have the day planned and Mom be busy ironing your White Shirt to keep it a surprise for you. But the reality is stone cold, you're not here anymore, and I don't get to do anything for you. Not just on Father's Day, but on your birthday and every other day of the year.

Not a day goes by when I don’t imagine what life would be like had you not died. Every situation that I find myself in (be it a family function, my college year, the day I'm going to graduate from university) I imagine a scenario where you’re present and sharing in the happy moments.

You’ve left people with a lot of good memories of you. They always mention how you made them laugh, always listened, how you always helped whoever you could with whatever you could. It gives me a feeling of warmth inside to hear these things about you and inspires me to be the kind of son you’d be proud of.

Thank you, daddy. Thank you for your love. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for being a good, hard-working human being who encouraged me to be the best person I can be and to do the best I can in everything I wish to achieve. So thank you for that.

Mostly, thank you for being my father. I love you.

Mike