When you grow up being happy and having a great childhood because[i] you have great parents, it becomes even more tragic to lose one of them.

It is always too early and things that we though to keep for later, for when the time is right like telling how much you love them, suddenly becomes a thing of the impossible, just like it was for you.

Never leave it to tomorrow to tell how you feel. It is never too early but it can be too late if you withhold it. I do hope for you that you still have your mom and that you have (or will) take the time to tell her all those things you don't want to miss having said.[/i]

Beautifully written, and I hope he knew your feelings while he was still with you

That last paragraph recreates an image in my own head of my father--who worked in sheet metal--doing exactly that.

What a lovely tribute to your Dad

Hugs

Sounds like a wonderful man.