Dear Dad (13 years)

April 14, 1998 my (Jen's) daddy went to be with the Lord, it has been 13 years. I could write forever about him, or about the days prior to his passing, or about the day of and how difficult it was, or about the years and years without him. But instead, I'm gonna write him a letter.

Dear Daddy,

It's been 13 years since I've seen you. That's a long time! I miss you so much and so does Momma! We miss you. Life has been so different but we've grown and learned so much. Ruben and Ramiro went to be with the Lord as well but guess you know that. They are greatly missed here. Rosa and Lucy are so big Dad, they are beautiful young ladies so beautiful and so so smart! They stay with mom for school and mom LOVES having them around. She treasures them, wish you could be here to give them hugs! Daniel is doing good he got married so that's crazy! Oh we have a dog dad, his name is Nikko, mom says she wants to get rid of him but she lies, she loves him! Haha.

I wish you were here. Mostly because I miss you so much and our lives have not been easy without you but we've made it through somehow. Mostly by the grace of God.

I met a guy daddy, his name is Eric. We love each other and he is amazing. He really is. He truly loves me for who I am, inside and out. Baggage and all. I wish you could meet each other. I think you two would have so much in common. From the News to reading to everything really. You'd really like him and I know he'd love you. We're getting married. He is gonna be my husband! Can you believe your little girl is getting married? I need to learn how to make tortillas, like mom. I remember when you passed away and I thought, who is gonna walk me down the isle. And now I sit here and I think the same thing. And the answer is no one daddy, I couldn't ever replace you. I miss you so much. I know you are in Heaven. I know you are at peace and not suffering or in any more pain but I sure wish you were here most days especially now. You would've loved your son-in-law. You would've loved him and he would've loved you I'm sure.

Always wishing for that one more hug, one more kiss, one more laugh, one more pancake heehe, one more minute with you! But I'll never forget that last hour I spent with you. I'll never forget holding your hand and sitting with you. I'll never forget how much I loved you or how much you loved me. I'll never forget your smile so don't you worry. You are in my heart forever and always. I love you! And I'm taking care of mom the best I can don't you worry, she's a stubborn woman but I love her all the same, but you already know that too.

Your #9, Jennifer