'F' is for Fishing

Dear Dad,

I don't know if you ever read my blog... but I figure if I put this out there, this will get up to you somehow and you'll know what's in my heart.  I've got a lot to say, but mostly, I want to thank you for taking us fishing when we were growing up. 

I have millions of happy memories of and with you... the big, beaming, beautiful smile on your face as you stood on the edge of the dance floor at Navaz and Shazeen's engagement watching your eldest son so happy and so obviously in love (Shazeen knows exactly the smile and moment I'm talking about.)  Your pride and love was always so obvious on your face when you looked at Noah and Maya - like the world revolved around them.  Even the worried and apprehensive smile you gave me as you left me at university; that look on your face always stayed with me.  You were well known for your love of our pool, the barbecue and you throwing an awesome party.  Your speech at our wedding in New Zealand was one of the happiest and most beautiful moments of my life - I've still got it here in a folder  and that photo of you looking at me with at the wedding in Toronto chokes me up every single time... but most of all, I remember fishing. 

The thing is, Dad... it isn't just Navaz and I who remember it.  All your nieces and nephews - they all remember going fishing with you when they were kids.  Not only do they remember how much fun it was, but they remember how patient you were in untangling our lines, showing us how to cast the rod and how proud you were of each and every one of us when we'd catch anything (including sunfish and perch.)  You were loving, but firm (in making us bait the hooks ourselves - ugh.)  You somehow got us all to sit down and be quiet for prolonged periods of time (so we wouldn't scare away the fish) and we still had fun.  It was a family affair but everyone was welcome.  You had that special gift (as I've been told many times in the last few weeks) of making everyone you met feel like family. 

It was just fun being with you... and we loved every minute of it. 

Thank you for taking us fishing Dad, and teaching us, through fishing, the value of being with family; being quiet; having fun; patience; perseverance and love.  We were very lucky to have you as our Dad.

Love you & miss you,

me.