Letters to my 3 Dads

Letter to my Foster Dad:

Wow, I can't believe it has been 45 years since I last lived at your house.  I was really young back then, wasn't I?  I don't remember much of my toddler years, but do recall a few special moments, like when I had my own pet calf.  Remember when you used to crack the bull whip to scare us kids down at the barn?  Or when I would ride along when you and the boys would be out baling.  MaryLou and Janice remind me how sad you were the day I had to leave to go live with my new adoptive parents.  But remember how happy you and mom were when I came to your 50th Anniversary, and I stood at the front of the church to tell my story of living there for seven years?  Those were some very special years for me, which I will never forget.  Thank you for taking care of me while I was in your home.

Letter to my Adoptive Dad:

Where do I start?  You and mom were definitely loving, caring parents, but I always seemed to have a much stronger bond to you.  While there was such a large age gap between us, you seemed to know how to relate to me, and would always take time to spend father-son bonding time with me.  I will never forget all the times we spent together, teaching me how to drive, and how to shoot guns safely.  You were always there to comfort me when mom would be angry with me.  I missed you a lot when you passed away.  I know you and mom expected me to take over the farm when you were gone, but yet, you seemed to know in your heart that I wanted to choose a different path in my life.  For that, I will always be grateful of you.  Thank you for being a part of my life as my dad.

Letter to my Biological Dad:

Writing you is perhaps the hardest thing I have done in a long time.  We never met, and I know very little of you.  Remember when I located you through a friend of mine, and you wished I hadn't found you?  I had a hard time accepting your response and was heartbroken for several years.  But I still hope to learn more about you and what your life on earth was like.  No matter the results of my search, I will always love you because you are my dad.  And because we have Finley blood, we are strong fighters.  I proved that after birth, and am still fighting to be a man of good morals and character.  Because of you, I will continue to live life to the fullest, and cherish all past memories.  Thank you, dad, for giving me life.  Perhaps one day we will eventually meet in Paradise.