Dear Papa

Dear Papa.

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost 30 years since I last saw you. Back then I was a clueless teenager who did not appreciate the incredible gifts your decisions gave me. I’m sorry for that. As time goes by, I’ve come to understand how important your life and decision were.

Thank you for your willingness to serve your country. Most people following the war saw you as the enemy but I see a young man who showed patriotism by defending his homeland. It was not your fault that the leaders of that country were evil. You had been raised to serve and you answered that call when the war broke out. You will be happy to know that your sacrifice was not in vain. The malaria and memories that haunted you for the rest of your life were not in vain!! The world has learned so much since then and we have people like you who were willing to sacrifice everything to thank for it. I hope that if I am ever called to serve in that manner that I may live up to your legacy and make you proud.

Thank you for moving to Canada. The war prevented you from achieving your dream of becoming an architect but you did not give up. You came to a land where you were an outsider and you made a life for yourself. This country is not perfect but I am grateful that your decision to come here granted me a life full of opportunity and freedom. I have been able to attend university, have been able to work in important industries, can walk down the street without fear, am a published author, and can share my thoughts without the threat of arrest thanks to your choice of where to land following the war. It must have been hard to leave everything behind. I am grateful that you did.

Thank you for being a good husband and father. Your example resulted in three hardworking, successful children and a generation of grandchildren who are making their way in the world. Your loving, hardworking example gave me a father who was always there for me. You influenced Dad to continually learn. He taught me to love reading, to apply what I learned in my life, and to appreciate the past. He always tried to live to make you proud and he missed you after you died. More than once, I heard him say “I wish he was here. I could use some of his advice.” That is another one of your legacies and one that you should be proud of.

We all loved coming to visit you and Grama at the farm. Your home wasn’t fancy but everyone had their place and we all felt accepted and loved. I miss Sunday lunches at the kitchen table. All of us sitting there after church, eating soup and watching the hummingbirds through the window. Thank you for giving me a place where I could get those memories. No amount of money could ever buy something that precious.

You will be happy to know that two of your grandchildren inherited your mechanical aptitude. T is an electrician and E has always loved fixing things. Additionally, some of us got your intelligence and entrepreneurial skills. C is a nurse and D has been running their own business for years. We are all following your example of hard work and determination. You also have several great-grandchildren. Your bloodline is living on and hopefully they will be taught to follow your example as well.

I miss you Papa. I wish I could talk to you about your life and tell you how much I love you. Please take care of Dad. He’s been gone a year now and I hope you two have been catching up.

Take care until we meet again.