John Doerfler

6/17/2018

Dearest Dad,

I still can’t believe that your really gone. I’m so deeply sad in a way that I haven’t known until today. It still doesn’t feel real.

I’m waiting to wake up, waiting for you to call, waiting to move forward, waiting to write this, waiting to pick myself up. I hear your voice in my head reminding me of all the many things you said to encourage me, but also teach me. I know your telling me it’s time to get up, to move forward, to stop waiting. Your reminding me to be strong, you exemplified what it meant to be strong when it feels impossible. You taught me so many things, but what impacted my life most was to never stop working hard for what I wanted.

You never stopped working hard. I wish you could’ve had more time to relax, you deserved that more than anyone.

You loved to laugh, joke, and pick on the people you loved. I’ll miss your humor the most, if I’m lucky it will live on through me.

Our relationship had grown so much closer over the years, and I will miss it dearly. We weren’t done yet, you weren’t done yet. When I think of you each day I will smile and remember all that you gave up for me, all that you instilled in me, all the memories that we made, all the love you gave me, all the talks we had,and your distinct laugh.
You were always there when I needed advice, or sometimes just your listening ear.

I didn’t want to take this time to write about your life because it wasn’t my life to write about. I can only write about what you gave to my life. What I’m really trying to say is thank you, Dad, thank you so much for everything. I know I’ll see you again one day, but until that day you will always be with me. I’ll honor your memory for the rest of my days.

I know your watching over me, and on difficult days that brings me comfort. I know that if you could tell me one thing now that your gone you would say not to worry about you, you would tell me to go and live, to stop waiting, keep going and never stop making you proud. It feels unfathomable that you aren’t here and that you won’t return. I’ll love you forever and I’ll miss you always.
Rest easy Pops.

Love,
Kaitlyn

P.S. Take good care of Jerry.