Father’s Day

It was hard to think of something to do for my father for Father’s Day this year. Knowing that there will come a time when it will be too late to communicate with him, I decided to write him a letter. Here it is. I’m going to give it to him tonight after I take him to church.

June 18, 2006

Dear Dad,

I know that I often tell you that I love you, but I don’t know if I tell you why often enough.

I’m so proud that you are my father and that my boys are your grandsons. I’m proud of the fact that you are such fighter. I think that’s what made you accomplish so many things—leaving your family in Rochester, serving on the LST and surviving WWII, being an extraordinary attorney, surviving all your health challenges and being an incredible husband, father and grandfather.

I’m proud of your intellect and hope that it has trickled down to Leo, Owen, and me. Your sense of history and politics is invaluable. I know that your love of knowledge and history will work its way to the boys—both through their genes, as well as your library.

I’m proud of the family you created with Mom, and that I am part of it.

I’m actually—-probably stupidly—proud of your sense of mischief! I certainly know a couple of boys who have inherited it. I love the fact that you save popsicle sticks for the boys and that they always come home with piles of pennies, dimes and nickels after visiting you. They will be different for having known you. You are everything I could hope for as their grandfather.

I’m proud of how much the boys love you; proud of what a father you have been to me, the husband you have been to Mom, and the father-in-law you have been to Ernie.

I’m proud of the fact that you continue to rail against injustice, and I hope that Leo and Owen continue that, as you have, through the rest their lives.

These are only a few of the things that make me love you—-believe me, there are many more. I am proud that I am your daughter and that you will always influence me.

Happy Father’s Day with all my love,

Cynthia