A Letter of Tribute To Dan U.L. Conrad
In 1994, Dennis Rainey, of Family Life, wrote a book with David Boehi titled The Tribute: What Every Parent Longs to Hear… This book was the reason I decided to write a letter of tribute to each of my parents back in the 1990s before they passed away. My wife and I treated my parents to a special meal at an upscale restaurant. It was there that I read the letters to them.
Earlier today, when I rediscovered that Dennis Rainey book on my bookcase, it brought back a flood of memories. Imagine my surprise when I opened the book and discovered the original letters I had written and read to my parents before they passed away.
Thank You, Father
Written to Dan U.L. Conrad
The commandment is clear: “Honor your father and mother.” In the New Testament, it says in Romans 12:10, “…Honor one another above yourselves.” Now, it is time to pay “tribute” to you, Dad.
I want you to know that I am grateful for so much.
As I compiled this list, I got choked up thinking about these and all the selfless decisions you made in favor of our family. I am truly thankful for…
Your providing a steady paycheck for the family and creating a sense of security and stability in my life.
The memory of feeling your whiskers when you’d wrestle me.
Taking me fishing to a stocked pond on a school day.
Buying me a bird, a hamster, and helping me to care for my pets when I did not.
Letting me take my bird in the car on a trip to Kansas and letting be bring back turtles.
Helping with science fair projects like the ones on Babbitt and the Electric Dam Project, and making a wood car for Cub Scouts.
Listening to “baseball” on the radio with me.
Standing up with me when I broke a window with a baseball. You showed me I need to apologize and be responsible; you repaired it while I helped and watched.
Faithfully going to church.
Driving my friends and me, when it was your turn, to Lutheran Catechism and driving me on my paper route when it was rainy.
Listening to speeches over and over, correcting me without judgment.
Being generous by giving me extra spending money and encouraging me to take care of my car.
Getting me up in the morning, so I would not be late to college.
Picking me up from the airport after trips.
Being proud of me when you talked with your friends.
Spending time in the garage, cleaning, clearing, sorting, and sharing your dream of giving your tools away as gifts.
Dad, I want you to know how very much I appreciate you.
I love you, DAD! Thanks!
Love, Dennis.
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