Blair's eulogy at Daddy's funeral...
Dear Daddy,
I love you. You and I were two peas in a pod. Always goofing around, making fun of each other; gizzard neck and cankles. Every Monday night was 24 night, Tuesday was Idol, and a random other night or two was either Two and A Half Men, Glenn Beck, or just a random movie. And I know you loved all the chick flicks I always had playing. I love those nights that I would run down after a shower and smother you with my wet hair, you always just said how good it smelled and would tousle my hair. Then there were those days where one of us just liked picking on the other, usually ending with you just saying, “Blair, it was funny, now it’s getting annoying.” But it was always said with a smirk.
I always loved your hugs. Your big embrace was always there whether I needed comfort, a pick me up, or just felt like a hug. I can still feel yours arms around me Daddy. You never failed at showing Ash, Mom, and I your love. Whether you out right said, “Love you girls” or showed it in the many other ways. And you know your girls love you more than words could ever begin to express.
We always had such a blast when we’d hang out and you always knew the best places in town. I love the drives we would take in that white BMW when we had DC 101 blaring from the speakers. I always got a kick out of looking over at you and seeing you belting out lyrics in your deep, raspy, “I was born to rock” voice. You always cracked me up Dad! You were the coolest dad too. I think you were just a teenager stuck in a 50 year olds body. Of course I saw you as my big daddy, but you were so much more than that, you were my role model, my hero, and most importantly, my best friend. I knew no matter what I could come to you, I never hesitated. You never failed at knowing what to say to me, you had the best solution or advice to give regardless of the situation.
You were my biggest fan and my best cheerleader. Always taking me to soccer, I knew I could look over at the sidelines and see your glowing face. You went to my school events, took pictures before every school dance. I remember and still have the voicemail from junior prom when you called just to tell me how beautiful I looked and how much you loved me.
Our relationship was so unique and admirable. I absolutely loved spending time with you Dad. And I hope it showed. I loved our Daddy/Daughter dates, movie nights, drives to Super Pets or Roozens, or just staying home and rolling a game of backgammon, eating popcorn, and fighting over who got the crunchies. I remember a few times where you actually ditched me to go out on a Friday night! Now how backwards is that?! But like I said, you were a teen at heart, especially when you got around Pinky, Joel, Pete, and Paxton. I know how much you loved them too and they are such good guys.
You had such a big heart Daddy. We were in Key West this winter and I can still see you saying how much you loved butterflies because of their beauty and how if they couldn’t make you believe there was something greater out there, then you didn’t know what could. You loved your fish and aquariums, your face looked like a little kid when they were in a candy store every time you would talk about your fish. You loved nature and the simplistic beauty of things around you. And you knew so much about it all too, I was quite impressed. You just loved so much and had an admirable form of passion for all that you loved.
Dad, I am going to miss you more than I can even put into words. I know you wanted to be here to see me graduate, go through college, dance with me at my wedding, and most importantly see your grandchildren. I know that was something you really wanted daddy and I always wished I were older so I could have kids so you could be a granddaddy. You adored babies and kids. I know you wont be missing out on these milestones in my life because you will forever live through me and be alive in my heart, but I wish you could be standing there with me. Aside from the big things, I am really going to miss coming in the door and seeing you sitting there and greeting me with that big grin. I am going to miss running down to the basement, jumping on the couch to tell you something or say hi. I am going to miss your phenomenal cooking and hovering over you to try and learn. OH! And when I bake, I will miss having you get on me about the cookie dough fingerprints on the refrigerator or oven. I will still make those snicker doodles for you. I’m going to miss the silly voicemails you’d leave me, the hilarious nicknames you had for everyone, and just hearing your voice. I can’t even begin to list all that I will miss about you Daddy. You taught me so much in life and you were always so strong.
I never thought this day would come so soon and I don’t think I could ever be ready for it. I always knew the amount of pain you were in, but you never let it show. You continued through each day with a smile on your face and you still made an effort to do the things you enjoyed. You showed me that strength comes from within and that you have to have the will to keep going, you never gave up. You didn’t let even the hardest of days slow you down, you cooked every night for the house, you did the yard work, you took care of the house, you built a beautiful tank, you golfed, you drove your Porsche, you did the things you loved, and most of all you were there for your girls each and every day. I love you more than I can say, more than words could ever describe, and with my whole heart. You were the number one dad anyone could ever of been blessed with and I am so thankful to of grown up with you for the 17 years of my life. I will never stop being your little girl, your Blair, your Pouvee Lou. I love you and I already miss you and your big hugs, hearing you say you love me, and just knowing I can come home and see your bright smiling face. I miss you Daddy. I am just glad that now you can live everyday without all the pain you bared day in and day out and can enjoy the things you love without a worry. You will forever be alive in my heart and I know you will still be guiding me from above. Watch over us daddy and just know how much I have always loved you.
I love you forever and always,
Your baby girl, your Pouvee Lou
