My Dad My Hero

It's unfortunate that my Dad won't be able to read this, he passed away over 3 years ago. He was just 66 years old, young to today's standards. I watched him wither into a frail old man who was racked with illness until he could no longer fight. It wasn't cancer as so many think when I describe what happened to him but Diabetes that ravaged his body over many years of denial. He left us too soon and I often wish he was here healthy and strong.
It was just the three of us, my Mom, Dad and me. I was very close to my parents, but when I was young I was Daddy's girl. We spent a lot of time together, taking me to his ball games, going for drives, taking me roller skating, or helping me with my Brownies projects. He was the one who introduced me to Queen! Sitting on our living room floor beside our 8 track stereo nodding our heads to WE WILL ROCK YOU! He was the type of father who would like to joke, taking nothing seriously, like standing outside my bedroom door doing pirouettes while I practised my ballet.
My Dad was funny, kind, helpful, strong-willed, my partner in crime against my mom, and to me my everything. He loved his collections of flashlights, hats, and pens always looking for an opportunity for more items to add, by saying to people, "you think you would give me that ..." It was like a treasure hunter, he would bring home his trophy to display for all to see.
I have a lifetime of memories of my Dad which I will cherish forever, he comes to me in my dreams and makes me smile, gives me hugs and reassures me that he's okay. He will be with me always until we meet again. Love you, Dad.