You showed me patience and understanding when it wasn’t easy;

Forgiveness when you didn’t have to;

And offered quiet wisdom that I will carry with me always.

As a young woman making poor choices, you delivered no judgment, only reassurance that I’d find my way back from “Neverland”  when I was ready;

And a promise that you would be there either way.

You taught me to order the milkshake (and dessert too if I want!);

To imagine, and to find inspiration in the world around me;

To create, and to never fear trying.

Like you, I am putter-er, a tinker-er and a thinker;

And as it turns out, I share your tricky habit of  stowing things away for safe keeping, never to be found again.

I don’t know what comes after this life. None of us do. But thanks to you, I can imagine…

I imagine you have found your way  to the beach for  picnics with Nana;

And that you are spending long hours catching up on lost years with Mickey and Barney.

I imagine you in laughter and in peace.

Rest well Papa.