Dad, I don’t have the words to express how I really feel, which is funny since your biggest gift to me was your magic way with words.

The past year has been tough, watching you struggle with things. Having said that, I would do it all over a million times if it meant that I could find a way to ease your troubles. I have always tried to be the strong one, the one who finds the solution for you.

I am so sorry I could not find the solution this time. I tried, I tried so hard.

You taught me to fish, to hunt, to be responsible, to be strong, to never give up, to be loving, to be kind, and to be funny. Thank you for the many things you taught me that I don’t even fully realize yet. I hope over the years I have given you reasons to be proud of me, and I will continue to try to make you proud until we meet again.

I love you Dad. My favorite memory still is wen I was young and we were laying on the sand bags at the drilling rig site as the cool rain softly fell, cooling us after the oh-so-hot summer day at work. Thank you for the knowledge that will always see me though. Thank you for the laughter. Thank you for loving me.