We're All Okay

I still can't believe dad's gone. I saw him in a coffin, know exactly what happened, and still feel like I'm waiting for him to walk in the door at any moment. He still seems so alive to me. I hope this feeling stays - I don't ever want to forget him, for my sake and the sake of his grandchildren, his legacy will live on.

We're all hanging in there and holding on tight. We have hope. Hope that we'll see him again after this life. Hope that he's in heaven right this minute catching up with all that have gone before him - my baby brother James, Uncle Jamey and GrandBob. We probably have the best guardian angel ever.

The support we've received from the community has been unreal and humbling. It's all because of my dad. He touched so many in this town (and beyond). He was the kind of guy that made every person feel like his best friend; would give you the shirt off his back. The inmates at the prison he worked at made us (My mom, sister and I) a card, some with a note. One of them reads:

"To the family of such a fine man: He was a well respected man of honor and integrity, firm and fair. He will be missed. I send my condolences and may God less you all at your time of grieving" - Name withheld

He was a stand-up guy. I miss him so much.

My dad with Iraqi children at Abu Ghraib in 2005