Daddy's Girl

James Marshall Lynch Jr. is my dad. He has helped raised me to be who I am today. My family has the gospel because of him and for that I am forever greatful. My dad and I had our problems and didn't really get along while I was in my teen years. While at a boarding school, I had the chance to write him every week. 2 years of letter writing + a few visits was the best thing that could have happened for our relationship. My dad told me he was proud of me for the first time in a long time and I will never forget that moment. For the past few years my dad and I have gotten so much closer than we ever have been. We were going through some famliy problems and I was given the chance to be there for my dad just as he has been for me. I will never forget a hug shared between us, both in tears. For work, my dad served the disabled. If you have never had the chance to do this let me tell you, this is hard emotionally and at times physically but my dad never complained. Wanna know why? He loved helping those in need. He invited a couple people over for Thanksgiving dinner for a couple years because other wise, they would be alone. Even his last days in the hospital bed, he was asking how they were doing. I miss the nights where I couldnt sleep, going down stairs and finding my dad in the same situation, playing games on the computer. We would sit and talk about work and just life. He passed away this last Oct due to a lot of health issues. I was the only one there (because I took him to get a test done and my mom was at work, or she would have been there) when the doctor came in and told us that he had cancer. Who knew 6 days later he would be gone? It happend all so fast that I still at times can't believe he's gone. Yes, I have regret's of not staying every min with him in the hospital and yes, I know that I needed to take care of work and things at home but I find myself feeling so guilty. I hope none of you have to see what I saw the last few days. Talk about feeling completely helpless. At times it's all I can think about. I am so happy for him though. He is no longer in any pain and he is with his parents in heaven. He has it far better than I do, that's for sure. That doesnt mean I don't find myself randomly crying or still missing him. Of course I do! I am working so much harder to become worthy enough to live with my family for eternity. I can't wait to be able to hug my dad again and tell him how much I love him. We were blessed enough to have a miracle happen a few hours before he passed. With alot of prayers, my dad was able to wake up from sedation (which was pretty much impossible) right as he was being wheeled into surgery. My mom, sister and I were able to hold his hand one at a time and tell him that we loved him. I will Never forget that moment.. or the feel of his hand squeezing mine. I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful father. I am looking forward to the day that I get to see him again and have him tell me how proud of me he is. Always tell those you care about that you do. You never know when it's their time. I tell my dad every morning that I love him still and I know he still hears me. So, seeing that's it's technically morning.... I love you dad.