I know a man...

I know a man.

A brilliant man. A man who earned a double degree in engineering while working full time. A man who showed how hard work and dedication can pay off.

A kind, caring man who loved camping, hiking, fishing, and playing cards. A man whose skill usually landed him the winning hands in both cribbage and Euchre. A man who loved spending summers camping and enjoyed the solitude and stillness of fishing. A man who would give up that solitude without hesitation if his children asked to tag along. A man whose love for his children was evident and nothing was too good for them.

A strong-willed, stubborn man, who could forgive. A man whose love helped him find his way back to his family after being separated for a short time and who made up for every single day he missed.

A man who loved surprising others. A man who would drive long hours and late nights to bless his family with what came to be known as "flying visits". Whose visits would turn into days of fun, games, and laughter. A man no one wanted to leave.

A man who loved his grandchildren. Who showed nothing was too good for them and spoiled them, as grandparents do. Who taught them how to laugh, love and enjoy life.

A man who could fix anything. Who believed nothing was too broken for epoxy! A man who after living through the scarcity of a world war, knew the value of fixing things. A man who took pride in what he could repair, not just throw away.

A man who had his own struggles. A man who experienced the loss of a father, and the separation from his family. A man who became victim to a drunk driver. A man who trusted everyone and ended up with his life savings stolen to a corrupt business partner. A man who experienced a severe brain bleed he was not meant to survive. A man so strong that he did! A man who throughout all his hardships still showed kindness, caring and love.

A man who was a fighter, even when life gave him cancer. A man who came to live with us during his last few months. Many would have thought this a sad situation. This man brought love and compassion into our home. He brought the amazing grace and support of family, friends and an entire community, who spent countless hours praying and rallying around him in his final weeks. A man that was truly loved by anyone who had the privilege to know him. A man who I was glad to be with when his beautiful soul left this planet. This man was there for me when I was little so nothing could have stopped me from being there for him when he needed me most.

My relationship with this man was a great one, and he was a great man. I know he is watching over me and those he loved as I feel his love around me. I hope he knew how much I loved him.

Today, March 28th is my father’s birthday.

This blog is a tribute to my father.

Above all... Happy Birthday in heaven dad! ♥