In Memory of Daddy

Today is April 22, 2008... two years from the day Thomas Marion Tate departed this earth. He was our beloved father, our mom's devoted husband, he was uncle, brother, friend... he was loved and admired by many, and missed by all.

Mom, Gary (my nephew), and I went to the cemetery today. I think we were all feeling trepidatious, mom most of all. But it turned out to be a beautiful experience. We sang some songs, Mom recited The Lord's Prayer, I read a few passages out of one of Daddy's favorite books (Archy and Mehitabel). We sat and talked with each other and to Daddy. It was a beautiful day with a warm sun and a light breeze, and the Arizona sky was brilliant. And we felt like Daddy was right there with us, like we could just reach out and touch him. We knew he could hear us and we knew he would not want us to continue in sadness, but to go on with Life and to carry him in our hearts as we do so.

Just as we were leaving, Sherry called from Israel and got to talk with each of us. Then when we got back to Mom's house, Robin called from Virginia and so she also was able to give Mom some comfort. Then Jessica (Gary's wife) came home from work (they live with Mom) and we all sat down to have a round of Daddy's favorite beverage, root beer floats. We lifted our mugs and toasted a wonderful man with tears in our eyes but with hope in our hearts.
Here's to you, Daddy.

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