Hi dad. I really miss you. I was watering your peace plants and succulents today, they are doing great and I know you would love their progress.
One of my favorite memories of you is remembering how you would cry. It’s always been a running joke in the family about how you’d start slapping your leg and laugh hysterically through tears during poignant movie scenes or emotional music. Or while telling me a story about your past, like losing your grandpa when you were a little boy.
It might sound weird, but having a dad that could cry in front of me meant so much. I have no idea how many times you cried in front of me whereas so many people have only seen their dad cry once or twice, if ever. You were willing to be vulnerable with me and show me that crying is human and healthy, and that are feelings aren’t something to be scared of.
I have a very distinct memory of being at Grandma Foofy (your mother in law)’s funeral mass when I was 16, at St. Joseph’s, and you sat next to me in the pew. It was a very emotional and difficult day for everyone. During the responsorial psalm, I looked over at you with tears in my eyes and you lost it sobbing. I remember reaching over and grabbing your hand and intertwining our fingers and holding you. It was a lot more vulnerable and raw than either of us usually are. I was so grateful to be able to feel so close to you in such a difficult and powerful moment.
Thank you for being such a special dad. I love you.