I have it on good authority that there are A LOT of flowers in heaven. It was one of the last things that my father taught me.
He was like that... always learning and passing on his knowledge... forever noticing the wonders of this world and sharing his observations. He surrounded himself with beauty that was simply a reflection of his own heart.
He was my daddy. He was also a son, a veteran, a respected business man, an honored mentor, a dear friend to so many and a husband who remained devoted to one heart.
In recent months, visitors and friends would make it a point to share with me how lucky they felt to know my father. As I would settle down next to him, speaking quietly of those well-wishers, he expressed the same honor to have known their friendship.
I find this telling of my dad. Not only did he surround himself with beauty, he surrounded himself with beautiful people... beautiful like him. He was... Genuine and unique like a rose, wise and willing to share thoughts, funny with a quick wit, intelligent beyond comprehension and generous to all around him.
I will miss him desperately. I will miss his contagious smile. I will miss his enveloping hugs.I will miss his words of wisdom. I'm not sue how each day will be as bright; but he prepared me well and I will continue to see the beauty in the world around me. I will always cherish its wondrous flowers. That was daddy's gift to me.
I find peace in knowing that he is happy. Happy with my mom, dancing and celebrating in the gardens of the heavens that he described as beautiful.
