My father passed away in July of 2007. The markings he left on my heart can be seen here in the lines of this little sketch. He’s saying, “I love you this much,” as shown by the outstretched arms resembling that of my dad’s when welcoming others into his home and his life, written in the Greek word “twoo” meaning, “…this much”, and proven by the smiling and friendly face that is just like his, open and inviting. The disproportioned ears show his lightheartedness and laughter. He had joked that one ear was bigger than the other because as a boy he was always in trouble and his mother had to pull him by the ear to get his attention.

It’s by these principles I’ve built my life and my family upon. It’s these characteristics I am proud to share with my dad and to see in my children and family as they grow. My dad lives on in all of us. He lives on in these simple lines that say so much.