Thank You Dad

As a young child your absence was hard to handle. As a truck driver you were gone for months at a time. Remember when my siblings and me would meet you at the TA by our house. You would take us to get pizza at CiCis and fill us up with candy before returning us to our mother.

During the summers I would take any chance I got to go on the road with you. I always looked forward to the time I got to spend with you. Every morning we would wake up at 6AM. You would get a black coffee and I would get a cappuccino to start our day off. Some mornings I would crawl back into the bunk in the back of your truck and sleep a bit more. Sometimes I would curl up in the passenger seat next to you watch the sun rise. I have a vivid memory of coming over the mountains in Nevada as the sun was rising in Vegas. The neon lights of the night still shown as the sun peaked over the mountains. Such a beautiful sight.

The memories I collected during our travels shaped my life in ways you were unaware of. The days and nights on the road with you allowed me an escape from the mundane that was my daily life. The tragedies that surrounded my life always felt so far away as I watched the cities go by from the window. I met so many new people on our journeys and saw a lot of the country I live in. We bonded over our love for Harry Potter and for The Chronicles of Narnia. Our shared love to read and write has always been a keystone of our relationship. I often read in the seat next to you and we would talk to strangers on the CB radio. You bought me my violin in 4th grade, and I still love the sound of violins. I still remember every note to Mary Had a Little Lamb. I remember all the afternoons spent on your boats fishing or tubing on the lake and the time we went deep sea fishing. James was seasick the whole time and I almost caught a tiny shark!!!! I wonder if you remember the day your boat died, and we were stuck in the water for a bit. I still collect seashells at every beach I go to and turn to the waves for comfort because it reminds me of our times at the ocean. You added so many new experiences to my life that shaped who I am today. You encouraged me to pursue every dream I had. Encouraged me gently to be the best I can be. Though you spent many years away I am thankful for the years I have gotten with you, and I look forward to as many more as fate allows me. I do not blame you for your absence, as I understand you had to do what you had to do. You always had a drifter’s soul. I am also thankful for the chance for my children to have met you.

You are an incredible man who has lived a full and exciting life following your interests. You have made your mistakes, but you own up to every one of them and do not make excuses for your actions. I respect your authenticity and intelligence. I love our long talks about every topic under the sun and the lack of judgement in your tone.

Mom often set high expectations for me and criticized me for mistakes. You offered advice when I asked and listened when I needed a chat. You allowed me the freedom to make my own mistakes and learn from them. Though my marriage may have ended I am so thankful that you walked me down the aisle. I would have understood if you couldn’t have made it, but the fact you did was the best part of my wedding. I guess what I am trying to say is that I love you Dad, and although you are not always around, your presence has made an impact.

With Love,

Your Daughter.

Dianna Hoiland