My Dad is my hero. I say this because he is the only Dad I have ever had. My biological father was non-existent in my life, but when I was seven I was blessed with the gift of my Dad. He is my hero because he married my mom and accepted me totally as part of her. No one could ever take his place. Sure times were hard and I was an unappreciative teen. I'm sure I was quite hurtful during those rebellious times. But he knew then, as he knows now that I love him with all my heart and he has stood by me and my mom for 43 years. Now my mom is in late stages of lung cancer and he is 82 years young. He takes care of her with such gentleness.

This man served in two wars. A Korean War POW. A race car driver. Sponsored his granddaughter's softball team for years. Drives a schoolbus where his kids bring him gifts at Christmas. I learned so much from him. I have values, character, patriotism, and so much more. As time goes by I see his work in me and I am proud to call him my Dad.

I thank God every day for the life He has given me and the gift of my Dad.

June 7, 2008

3 year anniversary

Dad,

It has been three years now since you have died, and I still miss you just as much today as I did back then. I wish I had one more day to tell you how much I love you and how much you meant to me.

If I had one day with you, I would let you give me the biggest bear hug, squeezing the air out of me. For that is where I felt the most secured…in your arms.

If I had one day with you, I would let you instigate me and getting my goat, because it would make you laugh and your laugh and smile brought a ray of light into a dark room.

If I had one day with you, I would take you to Dairy Queen for another daughter date, but I would buy you cherry choco love, knowing that would mean so much to you, just having time with me.

The truth though dad, is that I couldn’t have one day with you, because I would never want to go through that pain again of losing you. So I have to just get through these difficult moments and press on with God’s power, and hold your memories close to my heart. Remembering your character and who you were, not to just me, but everyone around you. Dad, you held no grudge with anyone, you even made friends out of your enemies. You showed no pride, but humbled yourself when you knew God needed to show you humility. You weren’t controlling, but showed unconditional love. You made me feel like your princess, beautiful and worthy of love. You had so much life to give and loved to give it to your family and friends. There are so many great things I think about when I think of you everything from you not being afraid to cry with me to telling me what was right and wrong, even as an adult.

Well Dad, its been three years and so much has happened. I know you would be proud of me and I know you are..while looking down on me.

I have moved to Seattle, started school again and I still feel your encouragement and your belief in me. I know you would be proud that I have made the Deans list and that I will be graduating next June. I have set out on my own on faith and have been blessed by God with a wonderful job , a church and strong Godly friends. Dad, and I am now legally Jennifer Sue Boer, which is the proudest moments I have had in my ilfe. I am so honored to have your name and more honored for your new grandbaby to have your name. Dad, you would be a grandpa again and I know you would be proud of her. She will never get to meet you in person, but I promise you she will know Grandpa Don. I will share you with her, through your pictures, videos and memories and she will know her grandpa through me.

I love you dad so much, you have impacted my life in a way that no other man has or ever will.

I love you always

Your little blue eyes