Family

Ode to my father

Dad,
 
I wish you were here, alive with us today,
But I know you are here with us in spirit.
 
I want to tell you how much I love you.
I’ve known you from day one,
When you helped bring me into the world.
 
I am privileged to call you father.
When I talk to you again in heaven,
I want to tell you that–
 
Your heroic efforts in Viet Nam are an inspiration,
Inspiring me to serve my country as you did.
 
I remember fondly watching you work tirelessly,
Wearing that worn tool belt,
Remodeling and building new homes for your family.
 
I remember fondly all the help you gave to so many people through the years,
To your family and to those in need.
 
You always were and will always be Santa Claus,
Bringing joy to others through your generosity, smiles,
And unforgettably jolly laugh.
 
I want to thank you for being there for me,
Traveling over so many miles to be there for the biggest moments of my life.
 
Last May, fraught with pain,
You drove over 1,000 miles to see me and family one last time.
Your visit will always be etched in my mind.
I will always remember your sacrifices.
 
Though your life ended much too soon,
I want you to know,
That you have touched the lives of everyone here,
And we know you will always be here with us in spirit,
Until we see you again in heaven.
 
I love you, dad.
 

Off to Kansas

Dear Reader, I will be offline for a few days while I make the trek from Seoul via Los Angeles and Denver to Kansas for my father’s funeral in Russell, hometown of former U.S. Senator and presidential hopeful Bob Dole.  If you happen to be in Russell this weekend, look me up.  As you can imagine, things have been pretty tumultuous for the entire family since we heard the news of my father (not my "dad"–my stepdad).  I’ll meet my sister in Denver tomorrow night, and we’ll rent a car and drive to Russell on Saturday.  I’ll be around Kansas for about 15 hours before heading back to Korea.  It is not only a heavy-hearted trip, but it won’t be a pleasant one being in transit for over half the time I’ll be away from Korea.  I’m still in shock, and reality hasn’t really set in yet that’s my father is gone.  My response has been business as usual, because I would rather keep my mind preoccupied on other things right now.  To me, there’s not much I can do from thousands of miles away, so it doesn’t do me much good to dwell on his death.  Koreans get pretty emotional about death, so I was very quiet about what happened while I was at work today.  Word has slowly gotten out about my father from overheard conversations as I prepare to head to the states, and some coworkers have come over to console me.  I would rather not think about it, actually, although I appreciate their warmness.  Should I break down and crying?  Am I too macho to cry?  I don’t think so.  No, it just isn’t the right time to come to grips with this.  I’m sure I’ll bawl like a baby during the funeral. 
 
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  My family appreciates them.