Dear Dad,
It’s been a long time, since I last wrote to you. I’m really sorry about that! But with John, and the kids Kristen and Amber, I’ve been so busy, that I lost track of time.
However, I know that Father’s Day is coming soon, so I wanted to talk to you. I hope things are going well for you, because lately things have been a bit rocky between John and I. His new job has been causing him a lot of stress, and his temper tends to run a bit wild sometimes.
But he’s still the same loving man I remember falling in love with years ago, and I am trying to apply all the lessons you taught me, when I was young, about how much patience men and women need to give each other. I still recall when you spoke to me, about how much Mum loved and cared for you, despite your temper and how her patience and grace allowed you to open up a bit more.
I’m trying to do the same with John, and while things were bad for a week, I think things have really settled down between us. The things you taught me about how relationships work, and the way how men behave under stress, really guided me to maintaining my own life and relationships. I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today, without you, Dad.
I do wonder though, how much did you keep from Mum and I? Recently, we went through some of your things and I had no idea that you were a pilot during the war. You never mentioned it, or bought it up, or even talked much about it, if at all. Mum told me that you kept a lot of what happened to you, to yourself.
I guess that explained the long scar I saw on your chest, when I was younger. I was always too scared to ask about that, but now I know where it came from. You can open to me about these sort of things you know. You were always so quiet, I sometimes didn’t know how to approach you.
Mum always told me to give you a bit of space, because of all the things you went through. I never really questioned it, but looking through your things and back on how things were, I see now.
I’m proud of you Dad, and I miss you so much. Mum and I have decided to remember you by donating your things to the local RSL, and we will definitely be celebrating ANZAC Day more, with you in mind.
I wish there was more I could do for you … John mentioned that there were a lot of forums and support groups for veteran families and I’ve been looking through them all, trying to find out more about you, Dad.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that I’m so proud of you and for everything you’ve done for me, my family, Mum and our community.
I miss you terribly, and will keep fighting to keep your flame and memory going.
I’ll talk to you soon, Dad.
Mum, John, Kristen and Amber all miss you too.
Your loving daughter,
Sarah.
Damocles' Journal 