~~~~~Happy Fathers' Day~~~~~

I dunno if you get high speed internet.....but I know you are with me, one way or the other. I can only hope you are proud, or at least satisfied, with who I have become. Deeply religious and unwavering in your commitment to your ideals, I always admired the strength of your convictions. You were a contradiction in terms in the best possible ways: subtly hilarious, humbly proud, quietly strong.
Plus you were cute as a button.

You cheerfully bore being the father of eight daughters, and two sons, something that might break a lesser man.
You inspired others.
Emmet's Park in the Poconos, PA. Built as an homage to my Dad by nephews, sons, grandsons, sons-in-law. (Thanks Ryan!!)


I carry you in my heart always, but I've also been carrying this picture around Dublin with me, Dad. You and Mom are the bookmark in our guide book. You are seeing the sites with us. I think you'd approve.
You are not only my bookmark, but my benchmark. You showed me what love, adoration and devotion looked like.
You gave me my unruly blond hair AND an appreciation for skinny, dorky guys in the military. I am eternally grateful for the latter as for the former...well it has its good and bad days.

I cling to a few mental snapshots of you - most involve you talking to yourself, hand gestures and all. Wish I had the chance to hear all the imaginary conversations you had, I imagine they were full of your unique combination of gentle wisdom and sharp wit. I often find myself in solo conversations and it gives me a giggle, I know at least I come by it honestly.
I love you and miss you, Happy Fathers' Day to you.
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-k.