Dear Dad,

I love you just because you are My DAD. And I forgive all your failings because I too am fathering a son, and I know how being the perfect father we want to be is unattainable. Over the years I have come to rely on and turn to God and his word (Bible) during not only difficult times, but for guidance and assurance as well. During these past several years, I have learned that the bible often says, “the sins of the father will be visited upon the third and fourth generation.” We are all sinners and full of defects; the defects in your character I have been unable to escape, but I have sought with all my might to be a better father. And I have been so far. Let us hope that our lineage will always be better than we are.

I also admire and respect you. There are qualities within your character that I have also sought to possess. You were a fantastic, amazing, and extraordinary father, caregiver, supporter, and friend to all that had the privilege of knowing you. You will remain loved and admired across your community and beyond and most of all by those you’ve established personal relationships with; you have had a profound and lasting impact on more people than you can possibly imagine. And there have been aspects of your/our family lifestyle that have had profound and positive effects on me also; I have accomplished much in my life because of observing and learning from you along the way. I’d not be where I am today, nor would I have the wisdom or insight to raise my own son the way I am without having learned how-to from you. It is from watching you that I learned how to be a dad myself.

As I stated before, we are all guilty of sin and being defective in many ways. What I came to love and admire most about you, however, is that you did not allow your sins, wrong-doings, of defects define you as the person you meant to be all along. There is so much that I have learned and will continue to learn from you; it is nearly impossible to consider all I’ve learned without being overwhelmed.

Over the past several years I have also become stronger in my faith with God; my faith combined with a level of maturity that typically comes with age has taught me many lessons. Most lessons I learned from you were intangible in nature; they were obscured or buried beneath your actions. My most valued lessons were not taught, imparted, or otherwise communicated; rather, they came from merely watching you live your life. I will try to live my life by your example and do, within my power, all that I can do to ensure the great qualities within your character are imparted to your grandson Jesse.

As we all prepare to say goodbye to you, know that your spirit will forever endure and occupy my heart. I have never been so undeniably connected to someone, outside of Jesse and Jeff, as I am with you. Your legacy and our lineage will live on through Jeff and I, and continue through Jesse and one day, God willing, his son(s) and grandchildren.

You will always be my greatest mentor, my best friend, and inspiration. My love for you is boundless and I am extremely grateful for all the experiences we collectively own, and for the irreplaceable life lessons learned. I give you my word that your qualities and values will live on through me, Jeff, and Jesse. Know also, that “when I close my eyes I will see you, and upon opening them I will miss you.”  

I am honored to be your son; I give thanks to God for making YOU part of his plan for me. I Love You Dad!

Thank you for everything.

Your Son,

Scott