My father died one month and one day before his 75th birthday, on November 9, 2016.

Here is an excerpt from my final farewell to my dad.

The one thing my dad said I did best was being a visual storyteller.  Today, it will only be my words that will tell a story.  You will need to create your own visuals.  Just because I put the camera down, doesn’t mean the images are gone.

3 MY FATHER TAUGHT ME 3 RULES OF LIFE:

#1 No matter what, always honor thy mother and father.

#2 Daddy is always right.

#3 When in question, refer back to rule #2.

Several years ago my dad and I were talking about life. Like many, many times prior, he asked what my plans were for the future. I don’t remember any of my answers, but the one thing that stood out was him telling me to “just go with the flow.”  That wasn’t something I think I ever heard him say since he was an engineer and they don’t go with anything unless it’s logically proven.

So, like many other things, I shrugged it off never to think about that conversation until a few days ago.  I was sitting next to my dad in his 6th floor hospital room, staring out the window at the big, fluffy clouds, and it all finally made sense.

Clouds don’t stay in one place for any period of time, but move in the direction that the wind is blowing. Even in their darkest hours, they seem to come back whiter, stronger and more beautiful than before the storm. So, in other words, they go with the flow.

Education was one subject my father and I never saw eye to eye on. From the age of 10, I knew I wanted to be a writer. He said I needed an education and a career that will pay my bills. I said I only wanted to be a writer. He said I needed an education and a career that will pay my bills. I didn’t get that education and you can figure out who paid my bills.

My father said he didn’t always agree with most of what I did with my life but he loved me unconditionally and always believed in me. The day I told my dad I was enrolled in college, will always be one of my most cherished moments. After 30 years of trying to earn back his trust and belief, that day on the phone he said the words I’ve longed to hear.  He told me he was proud of me and the woman I’ve become.

My dad knew I was to graduate in June 2017 with a degree in Digital Media Production, but the best part of that conversation, was when I told him he was right. (he knew it, anyway) I needed an education in order to be a good photojournalist. Hence, the journalist part of the word.

So, I refer back to Daddy’s rule #3.

When in question, refer to rule #2.