Postscript: He won't be around this year

Even four weeks ahead of time, I know it's going to be a little difficult emotionally for me this December 24'th. For the very first time in my life I won't be having the opportunity to call my Dad and wish him a very merry Christmas.

He passed away September 18'th, and so the annual envelope carrying money to buy presents for our children won't ever bear his signature again. I detest the thought, but have to live with this most depressing of facts.

Merry Christmas, Dad. I still miss you. And the pain of not having you here isn't blunted significantly either by the belief that you're so much better off now than ever down here.