...but my Dad died less than 24 hours ago. My mother found him on the bathroom floor. He was sick, but never let me know how sick he was. He was a man who did not want anyone to fuss over him. He did not want to worry me. He worked up until two weeks ago when he developed an infection in his leg from his diabetes. He knew he had a mass in his groin for a long time. He finally got a catscan for it on Thursday. The results were due back tomorrow. I didn't know any of this, besides for the leg infection, until today.

Daddy, you were my hero and my best friend. I find so much of you within me, and I thank you for that. My sense of humor, willingness to work until I get to the top, my open-mindedness, and my creativity all come from you. I was always terrified of the day that I would be without you for the rest of my life, and now that day as come all too soon.

I am crying now as I remember our last conversation, just a day before you died. You sounded great over the phone. Although I have only been in doctoral school for one week, I am so glad that you got to know that I started, and that I was able to tell you how it was. Now I am realizing that I will never see your name come up on my cell phone again. When something exciting happened to me, you were the first one I would call. I don't know how I will go on without having you to call.

Daddy, I miss you more than anything. I can't believe you have been taken away from me so suddenly. I never imagined myself, at 27 years old, to have only one parent left.

I know that you knew how much I love you. And I know how much you loved me. I just wish I could tell you one more time.

I love you, Daddy. Rest in peace.