Fathers Day

Im woke up this morning and Dad--You were on my mind-Oftentimes,in the fast-paced world that exists today,I forget what really happened to allow me to have the glorious life that I have today.

After all is said and done,after all the reflections and statements of gratitude for various persons,places and things..The answer always comes out the same-You and mommy-However,today being Father's Day-DAD-This one's for you.

It is hard for me to believe that you have been gone thirty years this August.As I believe you know from the 'GREAT BEYOND'--The last 3 decades in my life have been overwhelmingly incredible.Dad,Thank you for always being there.

I am sitting in my den,looking at the portrait of you above my head that my sister painted 31 years ago.I look at it every morning while at my desk.Your wisdom,knowledge,patience,love,understanding and simpatico are the reason I am alive today.Thank you for always being there.

The pains that I put you and mommy through were incomprehensible.Due to my addiction and all the inherent problems associated with that disease,your life was made much more difficult with me as your son.You know how sorry I am for inflicting all that pain into your lives.Thank you for always being there.

Your attitude,which I try and emulate was always upbeat and supportive.'Paul,you can do and be anyone you want to be'-That was your mantra.During the 60's and 70's my addiction was stronger tahn your mantra--However,in G-d's time I was shown the answer and you were there to witness the miracle.Thank you for always being there.

So far above and beyond the 'normal course of duty and parental responsibility did you venture.I was your #1 son as you constantly expounded.I know I didn't give you very much to be proud of back then..Hopefully,I have begun to make you proud of me and the values you instilled.The last thirty years of my life have been spent trying to help.That is because you never gave up.Dad-thanks for always being there.

I have two beautiful children.Lisa who is asleep in the other room and Sammy who will be over later.They are taking me out for Father's Day.If I could be 10% of the role model to them as you were to me,that would be awesome.I try my best and teach them the principles for right living that you instilled in my life.The same principles that are taught in churches,synagogues and all 12 step meetings,you posessed your entire life-Dad-Thanks for always being there.

Dad,I could go on for the entire day remembering what you have given me.More importantly than writing them down is my attempt to live them.I ahve talked to you often in the last 30 years and I know you have heard my words.Life has become so unbelievably happy,joyous and free and for that, I thank you DAD.Thanks for always being there

I am married to the most beautiful woman on planet earth.You know that,because you felt the same way about her as I do.I have been given much more than any one person can expect in his lifetime.Yet,as you and Ray Allen and Fred Tee told me--The best is yet to come-There is no end to the good and the joy is in the journey-Dad-thanks for always being there.

It is because of you I am still on this side of the grass and able to make a difference-Dad-Thanks for always being there-I love you and hope I have made you proud.Dad-Thanks for always being there