If Heaven had the Internet, This is What I'd Say . . .

In the morning, he was a royal blue bathrobe with a hole in the armpit, a green thermos full of black coffee, and a morning newspaper. If you were up early enough to see him, you'd get an earful about the current events he had just read about. And if you were lucky, he'd make you breakfast just the way you liked it.

In the afternoon, he was a hard working man wearing Dickies and a flannel shirt (should it be winter). He was a large,white Izuzu truck with a wimpy horn that made him chuckle and shake his head every time he used it. He was a friend and employer to his favorite nephew.

In the evening, he was a die-hard Lakers fan and loved college basketball. He was a Fox news fanatic even though it usually fired him up. He loved to play cards (particularly Hand and Foot), and he knew how to make each family members' (and close friends) latte just the way they liked it. He was a zurburt and fish lipped kisses at bedtime. He was our evening tutor. And most of all a husband and a father and friend.

He was a simple man. Predictable and dependable. Quiet and compassionate. God-fearing and faithful.

Today we will be quietly celebrating the life of a man who once was and the spirit of a man still living. Of course, we'll be sipping on lattes in remembrance (he wouldn't have it any other way). And it just so happens that we, his daughters, will all be together today. Happy 54th birthday, Dad!