One year ago today, you died.  Suddenly, I find myself an orphan, at 49 3/4 years of age.  I miss you now more than you can ever know; you were the best father a daughter could have ever  asked for.

Daddy, I figured you'd be around forever (mom, too), but I know now that this isn't true :  everyone dies.  Nobody lives forever. 

Suddenly, I miss your smell (Brut or Old Spice), your big, bear hugs, your rumbling voice, your laughter, your (wicked) sense of humor, your sticking up for me whenever mom read me the riot act.  I miss your skills as a model builder and cook; your talents in the workshop and kitchen were nothing short of legendary.

I hope I never was a disappointment to you.  Daddy, I wish you knew how life was really like for us.  You tried your best to provide; even when life threw curveballs, you were like the (hapless) Cleveland Indians:  you never gave up, and you gave it your all.  How I wish I could hear your voice, tell you how much I love you, tell you how much I miss you, or to feel feel your warm embrace once again!!

It seems strange to say, but even though I am sad today as I remember you, I take comfort in the fact knowing that you are in a much happier, better place, and your death was easier to handle than mom's.  You were older than her, for one thing, and you enjoyed many years of good health (something mom was denied) until just a few years prior to your passing.

And most people only find love once:  you found it twice.  You had two good women who loved you, and you loved them right back, in your own classy, impeccable style.  You were a gentleman's gentleman; you were the very epitome of what a man should have acted like.  You respected all persons, and you liked everyone.

How I wish I could have come back home to Ohio to say my final goodbye!  I only hope you know that we wanted to come, but because of financial difficulties, this was not possible.  It was one of the most difficult things to accept; I still want to come home, so I can say goodbye to you in a proper fashion. 

I have a big hole in my heart where you once resided; yet I know you are always with me.  You guide me (as does mom), and you will always be a part of me.  You are now my great big, strong guardian angel, and your brothers proudly march along beside you as you and mom watch my steps.

Whenever I feel the winds blowing, I like to think you (or mom) are giving me kisses or hugs; it comforts me, makes me happy.  And whenever I see (or hear) fireworks, I always think back to that time when you'd proudly announce, "I love that sound!" after shooting fireworks; you were like the grown up kid.  I have very many happy memories of our time together, and I felt honored to be your little girl.  (I am not so little now, but in your eyes, I was always the baby girl.  I was your child.)

Daddy, I know I will get through this day; I have you to guide me, and I also have God, who is my Abba Father.  I have two daddies:  you and God.  :)  I am indeed a fortunate (young) woman!  :)

Well, daddy, I am going to go now.  I just wanted to let you know that I will always love you and remember the sacrifices you and your brothers made so we could be free.  Enjoy your rest, and know that you have a little girl here on earth who misses you more than ever before!

~With much love, your (youngest) daughter, Karen Lynn. :(  *tears!*