Dad,

I have so many things I wish I could say to you now...so many questions I would ask.

As I look back, I am thankful for all the things that you taught me. I am thankful for all the times that we had to talk, mostly under the hood of one car or another. I am most thankful for the love that you showed to me and your grandkids.

Back around Thanksgiving, you made plans with Zachary and I to go ice fishing, and you said we would, even if we had to drive to Canada to find the ice. Well, we did get the ice and did go fishing. It was an added bonus to catch some fish. Zachary really enjoyed the times he went fishing with you, especially if he caught a bigger fish than Grampy. That was OK with you, because I could see that you enjoyed those times as well.

I know the time you spent riding your Harley was another highlight for you. I truly enjoyed the time I spent riding with you, on the back when I could fit there, and alongside when I got bigger. I can understand why you loved riding your motorcycle as much as you did.

I thank God that you and Mother remained friends after the divorce, that you and Sue were happy together for so many years, that you were faithful in caring for Grandma and Alice, that you were a loving Father for Bourne and I and for Beth later; that you enjoyed spending time with all of your Grandkids and they enjoyed spending time with you...even if your beard was prickly when you hugged them. I am thankful that we were growing closer together as time went along, and that you seemed to soften more as each Grandkid came along.

I am clinging to a hope that you are in a better place now. I never said it enough before, but I love you and I miss you very much.

Love,

Porter