My earliest memory of my dad is getting up very early with him in the morning before he had to get to work and watching him as he shaved. I think I would be about three. He would also get me my breakfast when the house was quiet and it was just the two of us. I also clearly remember my dad reading to me in the evenings in his big chair where I would climb up and cuddle. I believe these early episodes instilled a love of reading in me and any time I saw a Dr Seus book I would think of my dad. This will not pass. 

Other memories surround my dad being so helpful to my brother, sister and I whenever we were sick. As well, whenever upset or scared. Apparently I would join my parents whenever there was a thunderstorm. I would climb in the middle of the bed most likely disrupting their sleep more than the storm! Growing up in Windsor meant this happened fairly regularly as there were many thunderstorms over the years.

My dad had a keen sense of knowing what was the r'ight thing to do'. He instilled this in me from the beginning. Things like finish what you start, don't give up and never burn your bridges were not just comments, he lived by these mottos. 

My dad would tell me regularly (and proudly) every single birthday that he had to "talk my mom" into going ahead and having another baby after her difficult pregnancies and increasingly small babies! So, they had me as their "spare" already having a beautiful son and daughter. He detested the nickname my siblings lovingly called me "Boo Boo" and I never heard the name used by my dad. I remember his comments such as don't call her that, she was not a mistake! The name is a result of Yogi Bear and Boo Boo bear, apparenlty my brother is to blame for this! 

Over the years, especially after my mom died, my dad and I became very close as we grieved for my mom, her loss was so massive. As my dad aged, I learned just how resilient he was, always meeting any health challenge with a desire to get well. He felt it was his place to carry on and be as well as he could, as he had work to do as our family's patriarch. 

I will miss my dad immensely. I am comforted by the knowledge that he rests in a better place, as there is no one who deserved to die peacefully with family sharing his final hours than my beloved dad. I am honoured to be your daughter.

Love,

Sharon x0x0x0