What My Father Meant to Me

This is an extremely personal post and not about writing or anything like that this time. It's about my father, who passed away two years to the day today...

My father was a very unique man. He was talented, thoughtful, loving and kind. He was a teacher, a poet, a gambler and a musician. He was a provider, a rock, and a humorist. He was full of patience and knowledge and laughter and love. I don’t mean all of these titles in their most literal sense; rather, he took on those roles for my family, friends and anyone else he came into contact with, for that matter. He taught me right from wrong and to take responsibility for my actions. And on top of it all, he would give the shirt off his back to someone in need.

My father is one of the main reasons I pursued writing and have continued to for the last two years. My Father passed away on March 28th of 2010. After dealing with that and continuing through with my education at the time, I shifted my ‘free’ time from gaming to writing. After we got my Mother to a point where she was able to function again, I began penning my first novel.

You see, he was a musician, a pianist to be specific…and a talented one at that. But, he did not pursue his passion after he started the family. I feel as though it may have left him wanting for something, though he never spoke of it. With that in mind, I decided a few months after he passed, to give my writing the best effort that I could gather. If he taught me one thing, it is to do whatever you choose to do and do it well. I pursue my craft with his legacy and words echoing in my mind from time to time. More often than not, it is enough to prod me on through self doubt or discouragement, in order to be the best writer that I can be.


My father was, and is my hero to this day, and I miss him very much. The passing of time does very little to numb the pain of the missing and beloved patriarch of our family.

All the best, Pop. Here is a little poem I wrote for him that I wanted to share with you all here if you don't mind. If you have lost a loved one, maybe you can think of him or her when you read it.

Missing you, Dad….

The feelings I have of missing you are hard to set to word

Your guidance, voice and laughter, still longing to be heard

I try to carry on, your words and deeds still in my heart

It doesn't seem to ring of truth that in this life we'll be apart

The memories of you remain, and true that new ones can’t be made

Yet I carry on with your teachings in mind, those lessons never fade

I’d do anything to have you here, to share the times you've missed

But remembrances will sure suffice, for there are so many to list

I know we did not get to share as many times as most

But what we had I treasure dearly, and I will often toast

I look to the time when we meet again, for this life we only lease

We all miss you very much from here, and I hope you have found peace

See you in Wothlondia....

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