Tribute to my Daddy

Today is my Dad's birthday. He would be 65 today. Two years ago his life was cut short due to pancreatic cancer.


My Dad, Ralph Fletcher, was born on February 4, 1942. He was raised in a big family. There were seven boys and one girl. My Dad spent time in the army, but never made it past training. During a tear gas training practice, my Dad became legally blind. His tear gas mask did not work meaning his eyes were basically destroyed by tear gas.


Dad became an elementary teacher. I guess he was my inspiration. He loved to teach math as well as I do. In 1971 he married my mother. They later divorced to only get remarried in 1978. During their second marriage, they had my sister (Hope) then me. They did however later get divorced again.


Even though my parents were seperated, it never seemed that way. You hear of these horror stories of divorces and the child not ever seeing their other parent again. My Dad was always around. He did everything for me and with me. He was at all school events, piano recitals, dance recitals, etc. He was truly remarkable. We never had trouble getting money to support us from him. He was always there.


Dad is the greatest. I can remember every Halloween, Dad coming over to make jack-0-lanterns for us. We never asked. He just did. Dad would do anything for us. To me that is a true Dad. One who goes out of their way to do for their children. They don't care what obstacles are in the way. They will see that the job is done.


My Dad took care of my mother when she was dying of lung cancer. Despite their differences, he was there for his children again. He did not want us to quit work or college. He just wanted our life to be normal. My Dad was nominated in 2003 for the Parent of the Year Award at UAM for this very reason. Dad was always there for us. He never let us down.




In 2002, I got married. This was only four months after the death of my mother. Being a Daddy's girl, Dad didn't really agree with my choice. He did however grow to love Michael. Dad not really knowing how to help me plan for a wedding did his best. He wanted to make sure I had everything. My Dad would not stop at any limit for me. He was the greatest through the death of mom and my wedding. He was my angel.



In May of 2005, Dad became sick. I moved home from Jonesboro take care of him. I did not know how I would do this and keep my marriage, but I had no choice. Michael, Ashton, and I moved in with him in Arkansas City. By the end of May, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I knew his time was short. I am just thankful, that I had one more angel in my life, MICHAEL. He took care of Dad while I finished my internship and graduated. My September, Dad was very ill. He decided on no more chemo or radiation. I have to say I don't blame him. Dad began to take morphine daily for the pain. It was a struggle to face him every day and not be able to help him not hurt. After all, that is what he did for us. On October 7th, he took his last breath. This was one of my saddest days, to watch my father take his last breath. It was sad, but yet peaceful. My Dad was no longer in pain.



Looking back on Dad's life, I am so glad he was a part of mine. It use to sadden me that he was gone, but I am thankful he was a Dad that stuck around for his family even though he was divorced. He was still a family man to his children. He never let us down. For that I love my Dad.

MY DAD IS THE GREATEST! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!