The Gentle Giant

The Gentle Giant comes to mind when I remember my Father. From the eyes of a little girl his loving hands we're huge, warm and protective. He was six foot three and towered over everything, and to me, he could conquer all. My Father was more special to me than words can express. I found out when I was sixteen that he was not my biological Father, in fact, neither of my parents were. I was adopted when I was two days old. He was kind enough to take me in, raise me as his own and never think twice about it. He was definitely the best Father I could have ever had. I consider myself very lucky to have been raised by him. He instilled qualities in me that most people do not have in todays world. He made me believe in people, see the good in everyone,and taught me to follow my dreams. Because of him I have never given up on becoming a nurse, I am in college now, after all of these years, finally achieving my dream. I remember when I was four and five years old running to him every day when he came home from work, jumping in his arms and putting his hat on my head. Sometimes he would bring me a surprise. We spent endless summer days in my Grandmothers garden, picking vegetables, planting seeds, and then eating watermelon and cantaloupe while we watched my Mother and Grandmother sewing homemade quilts. I was his shadow, always by his side, so proud to be walking at his side. What he thought of me meant everything, even when I got pregnant, unmarried,and too young, he never once made me feel worthless or ashamed. He put his big arm around me, told me it would be OK and went with me to tell my Mother, whom did not take it so well. He stood by me through thick and thin, tried to guide me in the right direction and was always there to pick up the pieces when I made the wrong decision, and I did that allot. The day I watched him take his last breath, I'll never forget his face. Lying there in that hospital bed, taking his last breath,he saw my face,my eyes filled with tears, and he was worried about ME. How do you explain that? I can't. He was the best man I have ever had the opportunity to know and love and he has given me so many gifts and qualities I may have never gotten if he hadn't of taken me in. I thank God everyday for allowing me to be part of his life and for the joy he brought to mine. I will always love him and long to walk in his shadow again.