Dad carried me on his shoulders. I thought I was the center of his universe. He left when I was 5.

Aaron and Jonathon came to live with MJ and me. Sons…what an awesome responsibility. I hoped they were not like fine china and would not break easily. Aaron had a precocious grin. Jonathon jumped out of his crib…daily. Aaron watched everything that I did. He called me DiDa. Jonathon laughed often. Aaron could draw like an artist. He has an artist’s heart. Jonathon writes wonderfully. He thinks deeply.

I have never been worthy of such excellent sons. I keep trying. They are in my mind daily. They are locked in my heart.

We go to Alongis for some fine Italian cuisine. Jennifer is going, and I am excited that she is. How did I come to such blessings? Life is short, and hope is long. I hope for the future, long after I am gone. For the health and happiness of my sons, long after I am gone. I will be watching and thinking of all of the good times.

Dad is looking over the hill and smiling as I wish him Happy Father’s Day…