I'm sorry for your loss.

Every day for a while you will find some new way to experience this transformation. And after the everydayness, you will have unexpected moments when you realize your similarities, your differences, with your dad. It is the nature of things. We come to this existence with many things to learn. For some of us I believe the purpose is to help expose the lack of balance in others. I don't know what your dad's purpose was, but you are such a good and kind and generous person, his interaction with you caused you to react in ways that have made you better, continue to do so. Perhaps this was his mission this life. I mourn his passing, too.

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm very grateful for your gain. Very.

I've fallen a bit behind here, Matt. Very sorry for your current subject matter though. It's amazing what we learn from the parental examples we experience, good and bad. As you've said though, we are who we are because of them -- for better or for worse. Am sending good thoughts your way during this life passage.

I'm probably much older than you. I remember the day my father died, more than 20 years ago. He, too, had limitations and he hurt people unintentionally. And I am his son. Whether through genes or proximity, I'm learning that I share many of his faults...but I also share many of his strengths. I'm consciously different from that man in many ways. But I'm recognizing now, after all these years, the comfortable similarities, too. I think fathers disappoint their sons, but they leave a huge void when they go. And they leave grateful sons who live life better after experiencing, first hand, the pain of loss. I hope you and your daughter and both of your sisters can have happy memories of the things your father gave you. Sometimes, when I witness the connections between parents and children, I have brief moments of regret that my wife and I chose not to have children. Peace and love to you and yours. Loss is difficult.