Dad.

 This morning when I turned on the news they said it was father's day. Obviously it made me think of Dad. Many times I could really use his strength right now. I can't believe it will be eleven years this June 30. It feels like four or five, it still feels very wrong that he is not here.

 I would feel sorry for him now, he would be separated from mom because of her dementia, most of his friends are gone and now with covid, he would be restricted socially, which would be hard for him.

 With all the silliness going on in my life, I couldn't help think... "Dad, now there's a real man"! Loyal and always trying to do right by people. Absolutely trustworthy beyond description. It's too bad more men couldn't be like him. We had become close the last ten years of his life, I toughened up and he mellowed down, so we met half way.

 I still have the last father's day card I bought him unopened in my drawer. He was so ill that day, my sister and I couldn't give him our cards. We knew they would be the last cards we gave him and so started crying every time we tried to walk into the room.

 Those are not the memories we recall now however. Fortunately the happy ones eventually win. Miss you Dad.