Rembering a Hero

One month.  It is hard to believe that my dad has been gone that long.  It still feels like only yesterday that I was out fishing with him at the pond down the road.  Or chatting with him at his house.  Sharing lunch together after I got off work.

Most days, I keep very busy.  To be honest, I do not have much time for spare thoughts.  But in the evening, when it is quiet, I think about my dad.  It has been about two months since I last spoke with him, but I can still hear his voice so clearly in my head.  I can still see all his funny little mannerisms that made him so unique.  I hope I never forget those things.

Yesterday we celebrated Veteran's Day.  My dad was a veteran.  He retired from the US Air Force as a Lt. Colonel.  Pretty fancy!  He fought in wars and did a lot of paperwork.  I think he liked the paperwork better:-)  I never had the desire to go in to the military myself, but I am grateful for all my dad was able to do while he served his country.  He was very patriotic.  He believed in freedom, justice, and serving others with a willing heart.  He believed in underdogs.  Probably because he was one himself.  He was always fighting against the odds.  But like so many other underdogs, he often managed to come out on top.

I love this image from my dad's burial service.  No matter how many times I see it, I can't help but get a little misty-eyed.  I love everything it represents.  I salute my dad.  I salute his courage, his tenacity, his strength.  I salute his willingness to serve.  I salute his love of country, love of people, and love for his family.  I salute him because he is, and always will be, my Hero.