June 17, 1984
Father's Day
Dear Pop,
Well, this is number 43. That's a lot of Father's Days! If I were home with you today we'd probably be having breakfast at church. Ham and eggs!
I need to thank you for so many things, Pop. The way you brought me up working my ass off, even though I hated it at the time, was one gift I didn't think was a gift, but it was. It's stood me in good stead all the time I've been making a living for myself and my family. I thank you for that.
You always seemed willing to let me make my own decisions, and take the consequences for them. I know you sometimes didn't agree with what I did, like buying that red MG, but you were always ready to put your name on the dotted line when I needed help.
You gave me a love of the outdoors which has enabled me to remain sane in an insane world. I remember following you when you ran rabbits, hunting quail with you and fishing for hours on end trying to catch a bass. One thing I learned from doing that was persistence! One more cast and we might catch the big one!
I owe you a lot, Pop. I won't ever be able to repay you and you probably wouldn't want me to anyway. We don't always find the time to say how much we appreciate what you did for us, so I'm saying it now--on this 43rd Father's Day. I'm just thankful that you're still alive and well so that I can.
It never ceases to amaze me how much energy and endurance you have. Uncle John was the same way and I always admired that. I just hope that I'm half as strong and active when I'm your age.
I love you, Pop. I don't say that much because it seems like it embarrasses both of us even though we know how we feel about each other. You mean a lot to me. I just want to think that I'll mean as much to my boys when they're my age and I'm yours.
Take care of yourself and give Mom a hug. Wish I could be with you today and hand this to you in person.
Your oldest,
Ronald
3 comments:
Oh Ron! This was the most touching letter I have read in a long time. My brother and our dad had a similar relationship.
When my dad died suddenly of a massive heart attack at the age of 59, my brother did not have the chance to say to our dad what you so eloquently said to yours.
I sure understand why your father carried that letter with him and shared it with whoever would look at it. I would do the same thing.
Bless you,
Robyn
Y'all may not have said it, but you lived it...
Great entries!
What a wonderful gift you gave your father...and he gave to you. You are lucky you chose that Father's Day to write that letter. Years ago I wrote a similar letter to my dad and he said it was the best present he ever had. Thanks for reminding me!
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