My relationship with my Dad was good at the beginning, I remember a pleasant childhood.  Then came the divorce from my mother and he was out of my life for 13 years.  I took the high road and invited him to my wedding which opened the door to him for my siblings and I.  Our relationship grew from there.  We learned to respect each other as individuals, adults, parents and children.  They were very good years.

Long and short of it all, on my wedding day my Father said to me two words, "Love totally."  At the birth of my daughter, the first time he held her he said to her "Love totally."  Finally at his funeral I repeated back to him "Love totally" and thanks!

No matter the paths we took, me to college and him through rough alcoholic years, I think those two words held a bond for us.  I am sorry he is gone and did not get a chance to see his grand-daughters grow but I know he watches over us.  When I am down or having a bad day,  I close my eyes and listen very closely.  I can hear him say "Erin, love totally".

Erin Byrd
Aberdeen, MD