My dad died on June 28, 2006. It was one day after his 43rd wedding anniversary. His death was the result of a car accident. He was a passenger. The accident was not my fault, but yet I still blame myself. To this very day, I can't seem to get over what happened.

I have much comfort in the fact that prior to the car accident, dad and I shared a close friendship. He was 89 years old. I was his primary caregiver. I took him everywhere. We went to church, shopping, out to eat, the beach. You name it we went there.

Dad taught me my strong faith in God. He always told me the most important thing in life was to save your soul. He said nothing else mattered. He read the bible 3 times. He watched preachers on television. I took him to church every weekend. He always told me that people would be better off if they learned to mind their own business.

On the month before he died I went to visit him every day in the nursing home. We got to talk about my life. He told me his thoughts as to what he thought was best for my life. It was then that I learned the most wisdom from my father.

The last day of his life I got to say goodbye to him in the hospital. I got to say all the things I ever wanted or needed to tell him. I told him I loved him and that I would always make him proud of me. I told him I would take care of my mother. I told him to think of Jesus and that he would soon see Jesus face to face.

I have no regrets about his death. He had a beautiful funeral. He was a wonderful father. Now he has earned his reward with God in Heaven.

Learn more about this author, Barbara A. Gimont.
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