| Fifteen years ago, I walked
(well, almost sprinted with excitement) down the aisle of a church in
Waterloo on the arm of my Dad. We were both smiling and happy, and I was
so proud to be with my Dad as I joined my soon-to-be husband at the
altar of the church.
On our 15th wedding anniversary last
Thursday, I walked down the same aisle, except this time, I walked
behind my Dad as he lay in peace to begin his new journey. Same day,
same church, same priest. Definitely wrong pew.
My Dad didn't get to call me Moni Pumpkin
one last time as he did on my wedding day when I started my new journey.
We didn't get to say goodbye.
My Dad had been dressed in his tuxedo,
having just enjoyed a lobster dinner at the captain's table on a
Caribbean cruise with Mom. They were celebrating their 50th wedding
anniversary. They never made it to the evening entertainment in the
Princess Lounge.
My Dad was my best friend. He had a quiet
manner, and he was a thinker, so we could be together with neither
saying a word and still feel comfortable and at ease. No demands, no
pressure. Just friends.
Dad, you had the best silly jokes and
classic one-liners, and everybody loved you. And the kids are still
going to want to save Coffee Crisp and Oh! Henry bars for you. They
thought it was pretty cool the one chocolate bar was named after you,
and they knew Coffee Crisp was your favourite. They loved hearing the
story about when I won the bicycle rodeo when I was eight, and
afterwards I chose a Coffee Crisp from those offered, so I could bring
it home to share with you. We split it right down the middle with a
butter knife.
And your famous cream of vegetable soup
that's always been my favourite - we'll rename it Grandpa's Soup.
The photo of you, Dad, smiling, looking
wonderful on the cruise ship, just one hour before you left us, has
found a special home on our fireplace mantle. Because that's where you
liked to cozy up with your newspaper when you came to visit.
Dad, if I had our years together to do
all over again, I wouldn't change a thing, because you were perfect. I
just hope we told you often enough.
You're our special angel in heaven, Dad
and Grandpa. Bye Dad. I miss you. Please watch over us.
Monica Whitney is a reporter for The
Prescott Journal and editor for The Leeds and Grenville Business
News. She appears on the Melchior Family Tree. |
