To my first love on Father’s Day (Your Letters)

To the Editor:

To my first love: This is our first Father’s Day where you are not physically present. No clams. No barbecue. No bocce ball game in the backyard. No Briscola or Scopa Italian card games late into the night. On this Father’s Day, I reflect on the silent but present force you were in my life. It took your death to realize how influential you were. I think of you often. You pop up in my life when I make a financial decision. You are there looking over my shoulder as I lay a string to align and measure the plants in your garden. You are always with me when I travel.

I refer to you as my first love. Well, because you were. The man all others had to live up to. You gave me love, support and guidance. You gave me a voice by valuing my opinion. You empowered me. Because of that, I am a strong and capable woman with boundless confidence. I am who I am because of our father-daughter relationship. My success is due to you.

I miss our debates. I miss your advice. I miss planning, hosting and traveling with you. I miss our conversations and mutual understanding, but after your visit a couple of months ago, I understand and know you are in a good place. This gives me comfort.

I can never forget my first love. A true love. The love who taught me, guided me and led me to adulthood. You will continue to live on through the stories and memories I share with others. As long as I have breath, you will, too.

This Father’s Day, I remember the silent strength who rests inside of me. Now and forever.

Happy Father’s Day, Papa.

Rosemary Mondo

Skaneateles