28 June 2010

For My Father


Today I said goodbye:

To my first friend,

my first coach,

my first fan,

my first role model.

I said goodbye to the man who taught me how to become a man, and continually made me strive to

become a

better man,

husband,

and father.

I said goodbye to the man who continually reminded me to

be humble,

accept my shortcomings,

be a good citizen,

and take responsibility for my actions.

Dad, I miss you already.

Not a day will go by that I do not think about you,

all you have given our family,

all the lessons you have taught us.


You were a remarkable human being,

with an enormous capacity to love,

share,

and listen.

I hope, that I if I have the chance to live as long as you,

I can look back on my life, as you did,

and enjoy it a second time.

Love you Papa.

My dad with Janina during my first attempt at a triathlon. He was there encouraging me—never to try this again—but encouraging me all the same. 

18 comments:

Unknown said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Dad...obviously he was a wonderful man and you are "walking in his footsteps"....you are a great son and he is very proud of you...hugs
Jule

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss.

Molly said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Mark.

This is a beautiful post about your Dad.

Krista said...

What a beautiful post. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Krista

KovasP said...

Mark, beautiful tribute to your father - condolences to you and your family.

Kathleen said...

Mark, I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your father is so touching. My thoughts are with you.

Alexa said...

oh Mark, I am so sorrry :(

Jon said...

I am very sorry for your loss. That was a beautiful goodbye.

Caratunk Girl said...

I am so sorry for your loss Mark, my thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. What a beautiful tribute to him.

X-Country2 said...

What a great collection of pictures and memories. I bet he was an amazing man.

Barbie said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. You obviously had a wonderful person to look up to and I am sure he will live on in all of your accomplishments.

RockStarTri said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Nice tribute.

Anonymous said...

Oh Mark. Hugs. I'm so sorry to hear that your father died. It is NEVER easy to lose a loved one, but it sounds like he was a wonderful man who lived an incredible life. Prayers and positive thoughts for you and the rest of your family...

Jera

Mark said...

Thank you all who left comments. I am completely overwhelmed by all of you who took the time to express your condolences. All of you have lost a parent know what an incredibly difficult transition it is.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

—M

Unknown said...

Mark, my heart and prayers are with you tonight. I'm so sorry for your loss...I know you will miss him.

Unknown said...

Very sorry to hear about your dad...My thoughts are with you and your family...

64 CLASSIC said...

My first time on your blog and I read this tribute. Wow. I'm almost speechless.

I'm very sorry for your loss. Looking at the blog picture, you have a beautiful family. Your father has been a tremendous part of your life and it is obvious that you will carry forward with many of HIS GREAT "DAD" qualities.

Great tribute to your dad. I'm very sorry for your loss.

KC (my 140 point 6 mile journey) said...

Mark, I am so sorry to hear about you Dad. My heart goes out to you. I know exactly how you feel. My Mom and Dad both passed away 3 years ago, 3 weeks apart and not a day goes by that I don't think about them and the memories always bring a smile to my face.