My Fred May 22, 2022.

 I never thought the day would come when I would have to say good-bye to you.  What makes that even worse, is that I didn't get to say good-bye.  You suffered so much this last year on earth, and the last few months I don't even know if you knew who I was.  Cancer is an awful disease.  I don't know why you had to get it.  I don't know why it caused you so much pain.  I don't understand why it took you so quickly.  You fought hard!  I know you wanted to beat it.  Angio Immunoblastic T cell Lymphoma... The worst and most aggressive blood cancer out there. 

I will never ever forget your laugh, your smile, your silly stories, and your comforting hugs.  You loved Jeffrey and I so much and never treated us like we were not your children.  You loved mom, you loved your grand kids, and you loved being with family.  I always had dreams that you would come live here on our property with us... play with the tractor, watch the girls ride their horses, come in the forest and hunt for a Christmas tree with us, get Chris drunk (hahaha) around an outside fire, play card games, and BBQ.  

I hope you know how loved you are!  I still talk to you, especially when I'm driving along in my car... which is a lot!  Actually, I have felt your presence more than once.  You are still with me, not physically of course, and maybe even more so now than before.  I will always think of you fondly.  I hope your holding a spot for all of us up in heaven.  I can wait, but the day I give you a big again will fill the hole that is now in my heart.