A Letter to Dad

Dear Dad,

It's been a few weeks since we last mentioned that stack of letters

that were almost lost again. The letters you wrote me while we were

estranged. It hurts me to say that word, and is, in fact, why it is easier for

me to write than speak at this time. But it helps me put pen to paper

(Grandfather's pen, of course…)

Dad, I've begun the first few letters and they are so hard for me to

read. Yet I have to read them. It's not only bringing back what I lost

when Momma left, but what I lost when I left you. What I thought would be

angry or unkind were just the opposite. Tender, thoughtful...how much I lost by not reading them,

and by shutting off my relationship to you. You were and are my father in every sense of the

word. What I have missed!

Shane and I have discussed this a bit. She's so good at listening and

airing things out. But even she is confused by the wall I put up

against the love that you were pouring forth.

I want to apologize deeply, Dad. I believe I hurt you very much. And I

hurt myself by further dividing our family. I believe I was also,

during those years, learning about God and my faith, but I was not

very mature; and not very open to discussing as I am now. There is

definitely wisdom in godly counsel.

I missed that boat ,too, when I got swept away with Holly. How I

could have used counsel then….yours in particular! She was a

lovely person, but the wrong choice for me. And I have no one to

blame but myself. But I have learned and there's benefit in that.

I am hoping by reading these letters a week at a

time, that we can walk through and past the pain. And I would like to air this

out with you, Dad, if you're willing.

What do you think about a monthly Father/Son dinner? Some can be

outside, too, if the weather permits. Grilling at my house or take a drive to

Colorado Springs to a nice restaurant near Pikes Peak I think you

would like. We can bond, and we can discuss and, we can continue

to rebuild "what the locusts have eaten.'

Shall we look at our calendars?

And Dad, I want to say this in person, too, but I am grateful to God and to

Shane for insisting we belonged back together as a family.

I love you, Dad.

Ollie

Dear Ollie

Yes. Let's get dates on the calendar.

I love you, son. And I'm not going anywhere ever again!

Dad

P.S. That Shane is a "keeper."