"My father" by am&pm

On February 12, 2007 my dearest Dad passed away. He was an amazing father to me--one whom I feared just enough but loved a great deal because he loved me back so wholeheartedly. He helped my mother raise my 8 siblings and me and taught us more than I could ever share here. He loved to hike and take long walks and was happiest either in the mountains, walking through English countrysides, playing soccer or rugby with us or riding a horse. He was a "gaucho" for 20+ years in Paraguay and became adept at lassoeing cattle and riding horses--even standing on them bareback in order to see the herd better. He was a hero to me in many ways and raised me to love the Lord and to try to serve others unselfishly. He had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and an unforgettable twinkle in his eye that became all too familiar when he was "pulling my leg"---something he just loved to do. I miss him terribly but know that where he is now is bringing him joy and peace like he would have never known on this earth. Goodbye for now, dearest Dad.