Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Dave (Dad) has been in my life since I was a little girl of 3 years old. He often took the role and did the things with me that a father would do with a little girl. I can remember so many times waking up in the middle of the night, well to me it was the middle of the night, about 10 pm, and coming downstairs and finding him visiting with Mom, I would crawl on his lap, smell the farm and cigarette smell on him, and he would hold me close til I fell back to sleep.
I can remember when I was 18 and wanted to go to work for the first time my Mom did not want me too, she wanted me to enjoy the freedom of being a teenager as I would have to work the rest of my life. Dad took her aside and said if she wants to work, then let her work. She listened to him and I shortly started working as a dietary aide at Palatine Nursing Home.
When I graduated from college he was there for me and when 6 months later I got married for the first time, He walked me down that aisle, even though he did not approve, he supported me in my decision.
So many times in my life he was there for me, supportive, loving, and letting me know that we were his girls. There is a big hole in my life now.. he is sorely missed. I think of the last time I saw him 2 weeks ago when I was in NY because He was ill. I sat by his bed hour after hour, joking and talking with him, coaxing him to eat, as did my teenage daughter, when I went to leave and go bac to Wisconsin, I wrapped my arms around him and told him how much I loved him and how important he was too me, he patted my arms and said I love you. That is the last memory I have of my Dad.
He made some mistakes in his life, but he was a very good man and I will always love him for what he gave me, a father figure when I needed it the most..
I will miss you so much Dad, take care of Benjamin and Nickolaus for Us.
Kisses and Hugs.
love
Shelley
