Goodbye Dad, I Love You

April 29, 1942 - September 1, 2008. He died of natural causes in his home in Bandera, TX.

This was my Dad, Martin Eugene Park, in May at my graduation. He was so proud of me! The night before we had met him downtown and had dinner and drinks. Of course he kept us out too late and Tony woke up still drunk. But that was Dad for you - always wanted to have the best time to make sure whoever he was with was having a good time - which usually equated to too much drinking! And he had stories! Man did he have stories...He had an amazing life and was able to retire and do something he loved.

He is the only person I have known in my life that always said "when I retire I want to do this..." and actually did it. As a teenager I laughed at the thought of my father moving up to the hill country and buying a horse, and riding it!! But that is what he did and he loved it. The first time we went to visit, he put Tony and I on horses and sent us out into the state park, which was fun and beautiful.

Although my parents divorced when I was only a baby, I was able to see them put the past behind them and actually hug each other the day I married Tony. Standing in the courthouse lobby, at that moment, the first time I ever saw my parents touch, I knew my marriage was blessed. It was a blessed day.

I know he always wanted the best for his kids, all 6 of us. Dad was proud of us all even though he was not as close to some of us in the past years. Marlene, the oldest, the daughter with his true love Darlene who died when Marlene was 3. Marty, the middle and his name sake (Martin Eugene Park II) and me, his baby girl. I gained 3 brothers by marriage, Dad's marriage to Lolly, the woman who will always be my stepmom. Coley, Tate and Quinton who I consider to be brothers. They have been a part of my life for over 20 years.

My Dad always made sure to tell me that he loved me, my whole life. It breaks my heart to know I will never hear him say that again, or call me his baby girl. But I know his soul has moved on and his life was, at least in the last years, how he wanted it.

I am sure he is around us, looking down, having a beer with that big smile of his face.