The yard looks lonely as I pull into the driveway. As I open the front door, the house cries out in loneliness! The furniture is just the way you left it. Dishes are in the cabinet waiting to have a meal placed on it, just like we used to do. Your toothbrush still hangs on the holder and your clothes have not been touched. Pictures of life, as it use to be, jumps out at me everywhere I turn. Smiling faces, life accomplishments, 30 years of service in the military are proudly displayed. Even your smell is still on the pillow cases as hold it to my nose. If I close my eyes I can imagine you are right here, right now! I can imagine all is well and get through another day...but not today.  I have to do what I've been dreading. Today I will admit to myself that you will come home no more. Today is the day I have to remove your belongings out of the house because you are not coming back anymore.  I did my best to take care of you. I hope I brought you just a bit of comfort and even some joy in your time of need...your last days! No one showed me how a child is to become a parent to their parent when dementia takes hold! I did my best to do the best for you and the things you loved. I knew you loved me even though sometimes you didn't know my name. Your eyes would light up when I would sit beside you and talk. We'd talk about things that happened decades ago yet you believed were happening now. I lived in your world during my visits because it brought you comfort. I pray I did a good job and didn't let you down, even though you couldn't have realized it, I would know. Soon now, all will be gone. Belongings will be given away and the property sold. One day soon, when I drive by, it will be as if our lives here never existed...but you did exist! You fought for our country to protect us! You raised a rebellious child like me and still never turned me away! I'm glad I was here for you when you needed me! I am honored to have been your daughter!

! I Will Carry on for a While Longer and Join You in Heaven One Day! Rest Easy My Sweet Daddy Until We Meet Again!