Each day, I wake in a panic and realize he is gone. I begin to tell myself I will not see him again on Earth. But, as I look around at what nature holds I see him. He is in the blooming Iris' growing in our yard. His laughter is in the wind. I see his strength in a summer storm.

I find myself reflecting on the trials of our relationship. Heartache consumes me when I remember the last words I recall speaking to him. My heart was cold that day. There was a layer of ice which wrapped around my soul, devouring any warmth I had in my heart for the things we had experienced together.

A simple man, he taught me to rely on myself. He did not have the courage to be there for me when I needed him the most. A part of me feels he left me at a time when I needed him to step up and be my dad. He never fought to keep me in his life, but how could I leave it?

He was not perfect. He made some bad choices, hurting those closest to him. But, in the end, he was my dad. Without him, I would not be here. I guess thats all I really need, huh?