Dear Katie It was August 1980 when you arrived and for the first time made me a very proud man. And later, at such a young age, you always made me a proud man. As each year progressed, and you grew a little more you always managed to do something more to make me a proud man. When you passed from childhood to adolescence, you continued to develop and work hard and still you made me a proud man. At your coming of age, when you flew the nest you applied your strong will and determination at University and made me a proud man. Later still in life your persistence to improve and achieve still made me a proud man. Your lifetime of care and compassion for others before yourself has always made me a proud man. This last 12 months has called upon all your strength and character. You have handled it with courage and dignity and again I am a proud man. Your final, ultimate act of compassion was to follow through your wedding plans with care and love for all your family and friends, and as always you were dignified and properly perfect, and made me a very proud man. I know you will move on now, to an unknown place and there you will be rewarded for all the good and wonderful things you have achieved, and before we go to that place, I know you will make me a proud man. My beautiful first born, you leave me with such dear and cherished memories that I will always be that proud man of August 1980. When you cross over to the other side I know you will be loved and held in esteem. Please take the time to remember us all, and, when there is time, come visit. I will know you are with us, and will be proud once again. It has been my privilege to have been your father. All my love your very proud father