9.23.1947 - 2.27.2006

Father. Husband. Son. Uncle. Friend. Nephew. Cousin.

We lost Dad on Monday night. To write those words sinks my heart, my eyes are too watery to read as I type.

He was the strongest man I know. Too strong to have gone to the doctor early enough to have hope of derailing this disease. I have too much to write and whatever I put down doesn't seem deep enough, thorough enough or appropriate for what I have inside. I feel empty and heavy at the same time. I feel sadness and relief; there is no more struggle for him and for that I am happy. Its beyond words to see such a strong man reduced to such powerlessness. I will not dwell on that, though. There is too much strength to remember.

I will not think about his pain and our loss, but of his will and faith and strength that he had and left behind for us.

His quiet power.

I loved him dearly and know he'll be forever with me in my heart.