Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

Two years today. You left our world. You entered your new world with your Savior. I miss you.  We all miss you. I miss your smile, that was so very charming.  I miss your jingles that you would sing.  I miss the days you would pace with the worry beads in your hand. I oddly miss the times I would get mad at you for smoking. I miss the nights when you would put a blanket on me after falling asleep on the couch. I miss your mid afternoon phone calls while at work. I miss the upbeat voicemails you would leave me.  I miss your desires for a Whopper at Burger King. I miss you sitting on the front porch greeting all our neighbors. I miss your warm heart. I miss you. You weren't the "picture perfect" dad for reasons out of your control, but you were the dad with the heart of gold, that cared and loved us deeply. You are the dad that watches me from above.  You are my guardian angel from up above that protected me during my cancer journey.  I often wonder what you would have done or have said during my fight with cancer.  I will never know but I do know you would've cared and loved me uncontrollably.  Dad, it's a crazy world.  You left us and then I was diagnosed 1 year later. How could all of this happen to me?  All with months of each other?  I know not to dwell on these questions and waste my time or thoughts, but I often wonder and let the thought slip away, especially when I think of you, knowing that you are protecting me. Dad,  I carry you with me everyday.  I am loved by family and friends that get me through each day. You protect Mom, Helen, Hilda, Layla, and Morgan. You protect my friends and close family members who care for and love me.   Year 2 is harder than year 1.  But I know you will get me through this.   I hope you see the candle that Minos and I lit for you today.  It's shining bright! I miss you! I love you!

Love always and forever,
Noura Bondoura aka Noreen