My father loved crossword puzzles. When I came into my parents’ apartment, I had to see not only his handwriting but also the last crossword puzzle he had filled out — the phrases that he had written (his unique handwriting) — I was also grasping for straws. I needed to be the closest I would ever get to goodbye, to his last words that I never had …

What I saw stunned me!

The last thing that he had written was actually a motto, a maxim, a saying that was completed from individual letters assigned to numbers scattered throughout the completed crossword puzzle. It read: “With Bravery Stands Happiness”

… his last words that I needed, written by him, by his hand and left now to me …

Two years ago, on February 8th, I got the call your fight was over. I already knew. The pain I felt as I collapsed to the floor just before my phone rang told me you were gone. Even in death, our bond was one I wasn’t letting go of without a fight. They told me “now I could see you” but also told me “only for a few minutes” as your body was still contagious.

Little did they know I came fully prepared to finally be able to tuck you in to bed after 22 days apart — one last time. It’s not our happiest memory but being able to do that for you once more is one I’ll treasure forever. I just hope you knew …

May we meet again. I love you, Daddy!

My mom, without fail, made that predictable midnight call on my birthday. When I married and moved out, I too made that midnight call to her on her birthday. For three years my phone hasn’t rang and I can’t call her either. But I have the memories of all the wonderful years we had being the first to call each other at midnight.

Happy 90th Birthday (2/8) in heaven mom. I miss you.

He leaves Dimes and visits my dreams.
I cannot hear the roar of a motor cycle without him invading my thoughts.

Every Valentine’s Day, my Mom would be sure to come to my house to bring each of us the small hearts of candy for Valentine’s Day. It never seemed like a big deal until we didn’t get them anymore. Those little hearts with four pieces of candy mean the world to me now! I would give anything to get one — but only from her! I miss you so much Mom!