I remember ....

(my dad ....)

- the quarters you'd send for Mom to dole out during the summers you went away fishing

- the tshirts and sweatshirts you'd bring back for us from your summer away

- my blue Snoopy watch I got one summer as a surprise

- the smell of the pancakes and the aroma of bacon before school on cold winter mornings

- the swish of your feet down our hallway at home to waken me up for breakfast

- I remember you and I watching the "Challenger" exploding

- the time you asked for my help to clear a river dam a beaver had built on the water we traveled

- your snore.... and I knew we were safe at home

- the bluegrass music you'd have on the staticky radio

- the flannel shirts that you liked to wear

- calling me Piip and then Ella, later in life

- helping me wash dishes, because I hated to so much

- your variety of groceries, so yummy they were

- the way you'd say 'kiagpaa' before sitting down to enjoy a meal at the table

- the times you, me and mom went to the early morning service on cold Easter mornings

- the concern in your eyes when you learned I was leaving our home

- hearing your voice so happy to hear me over the phone

....and most of all, I REMEMBER your warm, strong embrace to welcome me home