My Father's Eyes

"Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?"

Henry David Thoreau

It's hard to believe that my dad has been gone for more than thirty years.  His sudden death in 1982 sent a shock wave through my close-knit family.  Indeed, we still feel some of that shock even now.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about his strong spirit, his unique and genuine laugh, and his beautiful eyes.  My dad had the bluest eyes, and it is from him that I get my own blue eye color.

Growing up, there were times when I couldn't look my dad in the eye, especially those times when I knew I had disappointed him.  He was always so extremely proud of all of us, and even though he would never show it, he must have felt some moments of disapproval.  I regret not looking him in those blue eyes and saying "I'm sorry.  I love you."

I would love  just an instant to look through those blue eyes once again.