My Dad

My dad was a little man,

with an extremely large heart.

His heart was made of gold.

He cared about everyone, 

and tried to help everyone.

He never judged.

My dad was an avid reader.

Something I inherited from him.

He instilled in me the love of books

and the power of the written word.

He was able to talk to me about any book I read as a child.

It wasn't until later I learnt,

that every night,

after having gone to sleep,

he would read the book I was reading

just so we could discuss it together.

My dad has a large family.

And family is important.

And while the four of us lived quietly in Ottawa,

vacations were spent with the family.

It was important to him

that we knew we had a support system.

My dad loved to travel.

He saw beauty wherever he went.

He was intrigued by the history and culture

of every place he visited.

He'd enthusiastically share with you

the hidden gems

and myths about every place he visited.

My dad believed my brother and I

could be anything we wanted to be.

And while we often mistook it to mean

we were a disappointment,

he always supported us in our choices.

He encouraged us to be better.

He knew we could do anything

and taught us to aim high.

My dad believed education

can get you anywhere.

I hated school

and was never any good at it.

But I am so grateful

I finally got my Masters

and got to see the shine in his eyes

when he realized

I always heard him.

My dad had a way with words.

He wasn't always able to express himself verbally,

but give him a pen and paper,

and wow!

He'd blow you away.

My dad was religious.
He believed in that God is gracious.
He believed there was a reason for everything.
I wish I had the same faith as he.

My dad was encouraging.
He saw the best in everyone
and encouraged it.
When Ethan was two,
he scribbled.
But then told my dad an elaborate story to match the scribble.
My dad went out and bought
pens, colors, paints and paper
to encourage this budding artist. 

My dad was a sensitive man.

He didn't like conflict

and tried to please everyone.

He was open-minded and tolerant.

Qualities I will teach Ethan. 

My dad was amazing.

He raised two incredibly independant kids

and had two amazing grandkids.

He will always be loved.

He will be missed.

I love you.