For the past 25 yrs.My Pops and i used to sit and watch the stars light up the summer skies . We would have sinatra playing in the background and chat about life. If i could paint a picture of my true hapiness it would consist of those nights. We would chat about family, school and work. Then he would love to have some ice cream and just relax in his oasis.
Papa was always washing dishes. He rarely let anyone help him. I would have to sneak it if I wanted to help him without him stopping me.
He was so good with children, his own, his grandchildren, and most recently, baby Mariah his great-grandchild. They loved their Papa because he made them feel safe. I used to sit on his lap in his chair and cuddle him. He was so warm and gentle.
Papa used to clean the pool everytime I would see a bug and scream. He did it just for me so I would go back in comfortably.
He used to give me rocketships, one two three blastoff! and send me splashing with excitement. When he got too old in the past few years and I got too big naturally, he gave the privlege to my fiance Geoff to do it.
Papa was the best cook in the world. His barbecuing skills were phenomenal. His chicken, chicken soup, macaroni and cheese, noodles, pork tenderloin, everything was so savoury. He always made sure we would finish everything on our plate like he did. There were no scraps :)
Sometimes I would play with the tips of his hair because the chlorine in the pool turned it green so the kids would laugh and be fascinated.
I always sat on his lap, my very own Father Christmas equipped with a grey beard and warm belly. He could always calm me down.
A Letter to My Papa
January 8, 2007
Dear Papa:
You were the light of my life. I was the luckiest girl in the world to have you raise me. You taught me how to talk, walk, behave, eat, swim, draw, colour, rise a bike, and most importantly, love. You were my heart and my soul. You had the biggest heart I ever knew and you were pure love. You forgave everyone and never did anyone wrong. Everyone who had the blessing of knowing you was touched by your kind soul. I believe you were a Saint and now an Angel.
You always promised me you would be my guardian angel and be by my side always. Please keep your promise to me and be with me. I don't want to live without feeling your presence near me. I remember when I was a little firl and you'd lay outside in the evening after you closed the pool. I'd lay in your lap and look through your binoculars at the stars and you'd teach me about life and the universe.
You made me who I am today, an intelligent, loving young woman with values. You modelled what it is to be a beautiful human being and I will try to be the good person that you were. You had the kindest eyes and the warmest bear hug. I never wanted to let you go. When we came down to Windsor each summer, you made my life full. You were my real father and took care of me and everyone else. I love you more than anyone or anything on this earth or beyond. I hope you know that and take that with you.
We always listened to Frank Sinatra together. I would sing and dance for you. Everytime I would come downstairs in the morning, you'd be in your chair drinking your tea and you would greet me, "There's my beautiful girl". You made me feel so special. I loved it when you made my toast with Minnie Mouse or Smiley Face. I wish I could hold you and sit on your lap for eternity.
You were the best thing in my lifeand it hurts to lose you physically. I know you are around us but I need you to give us strength to go on without you, especially Grama. She had the best husband for 52 years and I only hope that Geoff can take care of me the way you loved Grama. I wanted you to walk me down the aisle but I know you will be there in spirit. You were an angel and a saint in my eyes. I love you SO much and I hope you're with Baba and Gigi and Auntie Sophie. Please visit me and give me signs that you are alright and meet me at the gates of Heaven when my time comes.
Geoff and I will work to keep the family together and start a new generation of the Lewchuks. We will try to keep everyone calm, I know you were the peacekeeper and disliked fighting. I won't let anything happen to Grama. The dinners and the summers will never be the same without you. I know I will see you again, I just wish it was soon because of my love for you. You gave us all the best memories I will hold in my heart forever. I love you SO much my man, please come and comfort me.
Love Vanessa, Your Precious Darling
I remember Papa making my breakfast every morning, making sure I drank my orange juice and had a full belly.
