Spread your wings dearest Dad

My dad passed away peacefully yesterday at 4:30 in the morning with my mother at his side. He was such a kind and gentle man whose love of nature and all that went with it was passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was the type of father that brought me home a snake as a pet ( I had that snake for 3 years) , took me on long mushroom hunting walks and fiddlehead collecting excursions, made little crosses for the small critters I tried to save. I remember a camping trip when I forgot to bring any toys ( I was about 8 years old) and after the tent was set up he sat down and carved me some figures to play with and they became some of my most prized possesions (I still have a couple of them today!) I worked beside him during the building of our cottage, he was a true artist and took such pride in all that he undertook. He has passed on the joy of planting a seed, nurturing it, and having pleasure in its bloom. He loved me with such great warmth and openness, never making me feel like the "after thought" I was arriving 13 and 14 years after my brother and sister, instead that I was a gift. Well dearest Dad, spread your wings and fly, the greatest gift you gave us was you.