For my dad's memorial service, they asked if we would say something. I blubbered through this and managed to say goodbye to my father in the only way I knew how: with a sad but thankful heart.
Reflections on my Dad By: Laura (Fritsche) Brollier
My dad was there when I came into this
world.
I’ve known him all my life.
We’ve been great friends and stayed
friends even through my stubborn teenage years.
How can I say goodbye to someone so
close?
He taught me how to walk, how to fall
and pick myself back up again.
I could talk to my dad about anything.
I’ll miss our weekly phone calls.
He taught me to dance, to write, to
create.
My dad and I used to paint together,
write stories together, and laugh together.
My fondest memories with my dad are
from times when we’d be cruising down the highway singing to the
top of our lungs to some oldies song & then he’d tell jokes
until both of our smiles were so wide from laughing that our cheeks
would hurt.
He worked so hard for our family and
always taught us to respect our mother. He set a great example for us
in marriage.
My dad taught me how to cook when my
mom worked night shift at the hospital. I didn’t appreciate
learning that then, but I do now. Thanks, dad.
I loved when my dad would pick me up
from college and we’d get to drive “the scenic route” because I
took a wrong turn. We’d picnic at state parks and just enjoy the
beauty of nature.
My dad taught me basic car care. Every
time I check the oil, I think of him.
My dad taught me how to use power
tools. He gave me the courage to learn how to do anything & not
to be scared to try typical “guy jobs” just because I am a girl.
I loved working out in the garage with my dad building things with
wood, using a soldering iron, painting with wax.
My dad took me on my first date - just
me and him. He taught me how a guy was supposed to treat me and told
me not to settle for less. Thanks, dad. I found a good guy because of
you.
My dad taught me to reach for the sky
in whatever I do. He believed in me. He thought I was smart enough
and creative enough to do anything.
Everywhere I look in my family, I can
see dad:
I see him in my mom. He taught her
gumption and know-how & taught her to laugh at the little things.
I see him in my brother, Eric. His
humor. His passion to protect those he loves. His love for the
Dallas, Cowboys.
I see him in my sister, Katie. His
desire for knowledge – the eternal student. His ability to stand up
for what is right.
I see him in my sister, Amy. His
optimism & flair for fun. His hands-on way of helping others. If
you ever needed someone or something- my dad was there. This lives on
in Amy.
I see him in my kids. My son has his
love for sports and that crazy Fritsche-boy energy that my dad had
when he was younger. My daughter has his love for art and that red
hair that we both got from his red beard (when he would grow it out).
I see dad in me.
I’ve always said that I am an amazing
blend of my mom and dad. I know what comes from her and what I get
from him. My dad always told me that of all his kids, I am the most
like his mother. We both got a dose of grandma's strength and
creativity, and tenderness & zest for life. It’s so amazing to
me that dad and grandma, though they are both gone from this earth,
get to live on in us.
I know my dad is in heaven with Jesus.
My dad loves God and wants everyone to know about God’s love for
us. Dad led his dad to the Lord before grandpa passed in ’93. In my
dad’s last few weeks he lead two people to the Lord. It was his
passion to serve God as best he knew how. Now he’s seeing God face
to face, loving Him and eternally living with Him.
Say hi to grandpa and grandma for us,
Dad. I will always remember you and you will be sorely missed until
we join you and Jesus up there. I’ll try to do like you taught me
and I’ll tell your stories to my kids. You were an amazing dad and
friend. Thanks for everything, Dad. Know that I love you!
Here's the link to his obituary:
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