Merry Christmas, Dad.

Dad,

You and mom gave me my first "real" Christmas when I was 16 years old. I woke up in the morning of December 25th 2001 to a brightly lit christmas tree in the living room. my stocking was hanging in front of the fireplace. It was filled with candies, chocolates and little things that made me feel so loved.
Under the tree were gifts, tons and tons of gifts. I was ecstatic and happy. Christmas has been my favourite since then.

I like everything that reminds me of that special day: Christmas carols (even stupid commercial music), sparkly lights and lots and lots of presents. I always wanted to have another christmas just like the one we had years ago.

Last year you offer to fly me back to the US. I wanted to come and have my second "real" Christmas. I regret my practical decision not to come. If I knew that that would have been my last christmas with you.... Oh dad, I really wish I said yes.

So this Christmas is my second "real" christmas. Dad, you would have enjoyed it so much. We all piled up in our cars heading down to Myrtle Beach just like the way you wanted. We had a Christmas tree in the penthouse where Grandmomma, Mr.D, Uncle Frank, Cindy and Rob stayed. We put up Grandmomma's ornaments and fixed the tree up nicely. Mom and I brought so many gifts for the kids we had to make an extra trip unloading them from your car. Sure enough that made the kids very happy. Jerami and Dawn came too. Jerami cooked us delicious dinner and breakfast. Mom made us waffles one morning. You would have gone for a second round!

I gave mom a pair of slippers, 'cos her old pair has a hole in it. She is still wearing it; maybe because you bought them for her. I also adopted a sea turtle for you and mom. Another baby! If you're out there swimming, dad, would you say hi to the one that belong to you and mom?

Mom gave me a set of cookware. They are so amazing and pretty. I guess I have to learn how to cook now. Or maybe I should pick up baking skills. You said my pound cake was one of the best ones you had.

We came back home today. It had snowed real hard while we were away. Bart was so nice; he ran his tractor through our driveway so it wasn't icy when we got back. Everyone is taking good care of us, dad. You don't have to worry. We still miss you though. Mom misses you so much her heart hurts. I miss you a lot too.

We saw a pelican at the beach one day. He was just standing there hanging out with us. Mom thought he could have been you checking out on us. I don't know where you are. I couldn't answer mom when she asked me. You seem to be everywhere though. To mom. To me. To all of us. In the ocean, up in the sky, hiding in the crowd.

I hope you are well wherever you are. Mom's worried about you, but I think you are doing ok. Maybe you'll come by and let us know? I don't know how long it takes for you to get to us. If you are trying to do that, please know that we'll be happy to hear from you whenever.

Merry Christmas, my magnificent one. You are always in my heart. I love you so much.

P.