One year later--things I've held onto

Today marks one year since my father passed away. It's funny, there are some things that I've just instinctively held onto, that I just can't seem to let go. I realized the other day that my dad is still #3 on my speed dial. I also have a message in my voicemail that I just can't delete because there is something comforting about unexpectedly hearing his voice, hearing him tell me that he loves me.

The most cherished gifts I have from my dad are his heartfelt letters. Those close to him know these notes well: folded in thirds, most often handwritten on 6" by 9" lined paper, or sometimes on note cards. This morning when I woke up, I read a few of my dad's letters to me. Each note seemed to have similar characteristics. At the beginning of each letter Dad praised me as his daughter and pointed out specific qualities that were unique to me. Then, each letter contained a spiritual lesson or component, sometimes subtle (and sometimes not so subtle). At the end, every letter expressed deep love for me as his daughter.

I came across one specific note from my dad dated April 30, 2008--just after I graduated from BYU. His handwriting is shaky, but it follows the same pattern: praise, lesson, love. His very last line is so simplistic, yet it encompasses everything a daughter wants to hear from her father: "Keep doing what you are doing because you are doing all the right things."