Dear Dad
When I think about you there are so many things I want to remember. I want to remember walking hand in hand with you. I want to remember you reading me a bedtime story. I want to remember you throwing me in the air and catching me or riding high up on your shoulders. I want to remember the little things. I also want to remember the big things…teaching me to ride a bike, helping me with homework, threatening a first boyfriend, seeing me graduate, walking me down the aisle. But my memory jar is empty. You left to soon. I was too young.
Though I didn’t know you, you taught me the most valuable lessons in life. You taught me to be strong. You taught me to bear pain. You taught me about honor, valor and what it means to die for a cause … for God and country. Big lesson for a little girl who just misses having a daddy. But life lesson for the adult daughter of a hero. You may think that I was too young, that I would miss it all, you may think I didn’t see, that I hadn’t heard, but I got every life lesson that you taught me even though you weren’t here. I got every word, it’s written on my heart. Without you I wouldn’t be woman I am today. Even without your physical presence, I’ve grown up with your values, understanding your courage, knowing your sacrifice, with you as my foundation.
You weren’t there when I skinned my knee to chase away my tears; to help me when things were hard in school; to guide me through my fears as I navigated life. When I was old enough to drive a car, it wasn’t you who taught me how. But you have always been my guiding star teaching me about righteousness, justice, morality and honor. So this memorial day I say a prayer and thank the Lord for the father I never knew but taught me so very much. Semper Fi, Captain Lawrence W Jordan USMC, 1932-1965.
