William W. Blakely

In Loving Memory of William W. BLAKELY Daddy, today is your birthday, and we never stop missing you. Your workshop was never so empty, an emptiness only felt by losing a father.

When I asked once why you didn't always go to church, you said "I pray better in my workshop". Now, when I don't feel close to God, I go to the cemetery.

But, in fact, you are still here, to see everything we do. You were always there, through the good and the bad.

When one got sick and had to learn to walk again, you taught her to swim to gain strength to bear weight. No task was ever too big or too small, from double-decker garages, to just taking care of grandchildren.

Even when your heart was weak, you would get up in the middle of the night to help those in trouble. you always felt it was the right thing to do, that one should do everything to keep a marriage, and family, together.

When one struggled with school and asked if it was worth the effort, you told about the time you left home to find your way. On the porch that night you talked of being lonesome, just like the Hank Williams song.

On the night before the second bypass surgery, I asked if you were afraid. You said "No matter what happens, I've done all I can to make sure your mom never has to leave her home".

And, of course, you did.

With love and respect forever,
Pam