Sunday, January 29, 2012
DAD What can be said in just a few short minutes to sum up the great life of 61 years of my father? He taught all of us about pride, honor, values, work ethic, love and most importantly how to be a man. You instilled these values in your sons since the day we were born. And the lessons you taught have taken hold in our lives. I am honored to have the privilege to be able to call you father. You have made Mike, Cory and I into the men we are today and we are better men because of your love, selflessness and guidance. You always gave of yourself. There was never a time when I could not call you up and you were not there to get me out of trouble, or help me with a problem that I did not have the answer to. All three of us know how proud you are of us, but I am not sure if you truly knew how proud we are of you. Not only did you overcome so many problems earlier in your life, but you went on to raise three great sons, who then went on to raise three wonderful grandchildren who will have the honor to carry the Wilson name. As my family and I have learned over the last few days, not only did you touch our lives in so many ways that can not be recalled, but as you can see from those who have to come to honor your life and say goodbye. As news of your passing circulated, I spoke with many who are here today, and others who were not able to make it. I have been reminded just how great a man you truly are. Anyone who ever entered your home or life, were always treated as if they were your own. Your generosity did not stop there; you genuinely cared about everyone you came into contact with. You always opened up your home to whoever entered it. What ever was yours was offered to those who entered your home. You always made time to ask them how they were, ask about their families and important aspects of their lives. If I can be half the man that you are, I will be a great man. I would like to thank you for all you have ever done for me throughout my life and for the direction that you gave me to become who I am today. I will honor you legacy by living my life as you tried to live yours. The memories that I have of you will be with me forever. Although you have passed from this earth, you have not passed from my thoughts and from my life. You will always be with me in everything I do and everywhere I go. Although we did not always see eye to eye on everything, as most father and sons don’t, there has never been a point in my life that I was not proud of you, that I did not respect you for who you are and that I did not love you. I have always and will always love you and I will keep you with me forever. I miss you and keep you in my heart. I know soon we will be together again and I can not wait until then. I LOVE YOU DAD.
