Those Bright blue eyes.

To be my hero; he had to be more than just an ordinary man. He had to be my father, my superman I called him. A man who had served in the army, and hunted Deer, an archery man. Who seemed to grimace when I shot the arrows under the house. Or nearly killed a bird that was flying over, with my inexperienced shot.

Someone who held me when I was scared. Even against a large mouse, at Disneyland. I must have been three, but I still remember you sweeping me up into your protective arms. I was safe, and I knew it then. I still remember when my tiny fingers would wrap around your thicker and much larger than mine fingers. My tiny little hands held yours with a thankful honor. You were my hero Dad. With your beautiful bright blues and that shining strong smile, that let me know everything was going to be okay. Nothing could hurt me.

Funny yet I remember, a silly little girl rushing to slide down a hilled driveway of ours. My silly thought's that it was going to let me slide; like the one on the playground. Only to have rocks embedded within my knees. As tears poured, you lifted me up and embraced me. I felt safe, safeness only a father could give.

I remember another time I was five and, held upon your lap. A brown sweater simple and soft, Snoopy placed upon the front of it, carefully crafted like a small carpeted creation of the character, we loved to watch so much. My tiny fingers tracing that crafted creation, I felt like the world could go on and nothing was like sitting there; placing our thoughts in the favorites of old cartoons, we watched with happiness. A thoughtful smile is always upon your face causing others to smile too. Nothing was like being within daddy's arms. My father supported me, in every moment of my life. Teenage years were hard. I sometimes disobeyed you Dad. But you always pulled me back. Reminded me what was right. With a stern tone, and a loving hand you reminded me what was important. That I could overcome this too.

Dad, you were there to remind me, I could push through anything. Heartbreaks, and even nervous times with Spirit Squad or Colorguard, Doing routines, I feared I'd forget the routines. I could always glance up into those stands, my flag swaying withing the wind in rain or snow, and see you. You cheered me on, with a proud glow, and I felt like I could do anything.

Dad, remember the day we shared the stage. Mom, wanted me to be in a pageant, bring my confidence up. It made me nervous, To stand there with all those much more confident and pretty girls. With my stage fright, you accompanied me with a strong arm. My black sequence dress sparkled, against your grey suit. You stood tall and proud as you chaperoned me, helping me to stand tall. See there was nothing I couldn't accomplish without your hand guiding me.

And though this letter is written, far after your death. Somehow I know you listening, and with me, with a proud hand against my shoulder guiding me through every triumph, and hurtle. Life is an unexpected trial before death. It's not a guarantee of happiness. I spend nights wishing you were still here. Still holding my hand through it all. Telling me it's going to be okay. But not even a whisper comes now. Nor can I feel that hand to guide me. It's just a feeling within my heart that you will help me through whatever is to come.

You were a devoted man, a man devoted to his children. Devoted to Providing for his wife, my beautiful mother. As a child, I dreamed of a love like yours. A marriage of happiness, and yet even when I took those vows with the wrong man. I was wrapped in your love, and your confidence to continue to go on to be strong. Dad, I remember sitting with you in my old apartment in Casa Grande. Lost, confused, yet angry that my marriage was spoiled. We packed up getting ready for a new start, a start I was afraid to take. I won't like I was incredibly co-dependent on m,y ex. feeling like I couldn't fly without someone by my side. You taught me to take that step, and fly solo for a while. And even in my darkest times, you held me up. Pulling me out of the sadness that I had let consume me.

But most importantly Dad, I remember you. The man you were and will remember the woman you taught me to be. I will never forget you, I will never forget your smile, your laughter, your strong hands, your strong heart, and your loving embrace.

Thank you, for being my Dad.

Goodbye, to my Hero my Father... Warren Darold Shields.