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We weren’t ready for this, Dad. But I know you were. You seem to have seen this coming for quite some time now and you were able to make the necessary preparations. I could tell that even until your very last minute, you were still thinking of nothing else but your family. You always had things planned out for us.

It seems as if you have selected the right day, the right time and the right place for your passing. You collapsed when I was just about to leave for work; when Dustin chose to stay home; on the chair that we conveniently used to carry your body downstairs; and on the day when we can get the funds needed to get through this endeavor. It is as if you had things all figured out. You made sure that you wouldn’t be giving us a hard time. Even to your death, Dad, your family is all you’ve ever thought of.

If only we've seen it sooner. If only we've realized and appreciated everything you've done for us at a much earlier time, we could have done something for you as well. How I wish that things could have been a bit different. How I wish that I could have hugged you tight not because we were loading your seemingly lifeless body onto the vehicle to bring you to the hospital, and instead hugged you to make you feel how much we love you. How I wish now for a lot of other things for you - but I know it’s already too late. And being the patient father you are, you are most probably smiling down on us from heaven for thinking like this.

Thank you, Dad, for everything you’ve done for us. This is something we will not take for granted. For what it’s worth, you have done a mighty fine job. In your own simple way, you have given us the best love and affection that a father could ever give. We are very lucky to have had a father like you – and I do say that from the bottom of my heart.

This rest has been long overdue, Dad. After years of sacrifices, of exhibiting patience and selflessness, it’s about time you took a break. But Dad, we have one last request for you before you leave us entirely. This may be hard for you to do but please, just this once, try to think of yourself now and enjoy your stay there in heaven. That is for you. That is your reward. That is what you deserve.

Until we meet again, we will always keep you in our prayers.

We love you, Daddy.

I love you, Daddy.

Sit back now on your comfortable recliner, relax, and rest in peace.