Dear Dad

Jerry Clark
Jun 16
2 min read

Yesterday was Father’s Day. You’ve been gone now for over 30 years, and I still miss you. The ache has softened over time, but the love and gratitude remain as strong as ever.

Some of my fondest memories are of us when I was small. We were inseparable. I remember curling up in your lap, it was the safest place in the world. I used to wonder how I would ever survive if I lost you. I wasn’t sure life could go on without you in it.

I loved it when I got to go to work with you. You gave me the best work ethic which has carried me into many successful careers.

Though your education was limited, your wisdom ran deep. You often denied me what I thought I wanted, and only now do I realize how frequently you were right. You emphasized the importance of education, and I’m grateful you did.

I know it hurt you when I joined the Marines. Before I left, you said, “Jerry, we don’t want no heroes, we just want you back.” I carried those words with me every single day of those 13 months. Later, I learned how hard that season was for you and Mom.

We didn’t always see eye to eye, but I came to understand what you expected of me and, more importantly, why. You weren’t always easy, but you were fair, and you were constant.

You gave everything to our family. I’ll never fully know the sacrifices you made. I hope I have told you enough, but in case I haven’t, thank you. I could never have become the man I am without your quiet strength and steady love. We didn’t say “I love you” in words, but I always felt it. It was there, woven into your actions, hidden but true.

Your legacy lives on, primarily through the laughter of my boys as we recall the silly games you made up with them. You were their hero, too.

What an incredible dad you were. “Thank you” will never be enough. I love you, and I miss you more than words can say.

Happy Father’s Day,