For My Dad

Daddy-Jim,

I can remember being a little girl and playing catch with you in the front yard. I remember going to see the Muskies play and learning all about baseball. I remember going fishing and digging for our own worms. I remember hiking through the forest in University Houses and you pointing out all of the Indian mounds. I remember going to the Geology museum on campus, where I now take my own children, and looking at all of the "glow-in-the-dark" rocks. I remember you putting weird things like napkins and milk jug rings on your ears and in your nose. I remember singing with you while you played your guitar and learning all of the old folk songs that I'm so glad I now know. I remember holding onto your neck while you swam us both underwater in a swimming pool. I remember building the picnic table in the backyard on Segoe with you. I remember waiting, every day, for you to come home from work--meeting you on top of the big hill in University Houses.

I remember when you came to College Orientation with me in Albuquerque--I remember feeling very scared and very alone until the parents and the students met together. When I saw you, I felt so much better. Then when you left again, I went into the bathroom and cried. I remember you speaking at my wedding--Crying and realizing just then exactly how much you loved me. I remember the first time you saw and held Nate. I can still picture your face and the incredible joy that was so apparent as you rocked him and spoke to him. I'll never forget that. I am so proud to have a son who shares a name with you. I remember you playing with my kids, the same way that you played with me. They are so lucky to have a grandpa with a child's heart.

I know that we have had our differences. I know that you have not always approved of my choices in life. But I also know that you love me and no matter what I do, where I go or how I end up, you will have loved me along the way and will love me still. Your influence on me is probably stronger than anyone else in my life. I think about you when I think about school, my children, what to do in a difficult situation and I thank you for giving me a childhood with such a strong base in the things that are right. You are a wonderful father and I am so grateful that you are mine. Happy Father's Day. I love you, Dad.

Love,
Em