In Loving Memory of my Dad (Sep 17,1943 - May 31, 2014)

Dad, my heart aches now that you are gone, but I force that smile through the tears as you would always have me do. Through the good and the bad, your did your best to be there for me and for that you forever changed my life. As I look back at all the photos, read through all of your hundreds of letters to me, and remember all the times we had together; I'm grateful that you were my Dad. I forgive you for what you struggled to forgive yourself for, but just know that is not what I take with me. I always saw the best in you as you did in me. You pushed me, encouraged me to be my best and constantly told me to "Believe in Heather" "Heather is the most important"! I cherish every word, every letter you wrote, every conversation we had. People ask me how I endured the twelve years of severe emotional abuse as a child and I say, "God, my Dad and my Brother." You knew just what to say, just what to do for me during those crucial years in my life and I want you to know that I've always been grateful and I can't thank you enough for the good you instilled in me... I know you will be holding my hand and standing beside me as I continue down my path and until we meet again....

I love you Daddy! Just as you always said and the silly faces you drew at the end of your letters....SMILE! I know it will only hurt for a little bit and I will miss your smiling face, but you are forever in my heart and will always make me smile. I hope you are sitting in your chair on the beach enjoying the sound of the waves and the seagulls with the salty air blowing through your hair, kissing your face, and God's love in your heart. Tell everyone "Hi" for me, that "I love them" and I will be with you all again.....though I miss you guys terribly, hopefully not soon though :-)