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| Mom and Dad at Dave and Brooke (Dunne) Ellis' wedding reception -- September 7, 2002 |
This is my second Father's Day without my Dad. Dad passed into Eternal Life on November 27, 2007 ... a turning pointing in my life which has deeply impacted me forever. Life truly has not been the same without the image, personality and likeness of Patrick John Egan.
My father was a determined, hard working, committed man to his family and those few close friends he allowed into his in heart. He will always be known for his quick Irish wit, his gift of story and joke telling (which he made into an art) and one always knew where Dad stood on an issue. He will always be remembered for "calling a spade a spade" on everything.
Although he wasn't one to attend Mass on a regular basis, he was a living temple of the Holy Spirit. If Dad resonated a saint, it definitely was St. Francis of Assisi, hands down! Dad encountered the God of his understanding through nature. He could not get enough of the great outdoors, especially in late summer and through early winter. Dad would turn into a little kid when it was time to prepare for a camping or hunting trip with my brothers, uncle and brother in law. He enjoyed working in his small garden and was especially proud to share the bounty of his labors with everyone. Heck, his garden produced so many tomatoes, he could have run a salsa plant!
Similar to St. Francis, Dad had a love for animals, especially his beloved springer spaniel hunting dog, Maggie.
Since he was a noted law enforcement officer, Dad was a humble, yet vocal, advocate for injustice. He defended many victims of the worst crimes one can imagine and sought justice for them. He succeeded in prosecuting many criminals for rape, murder, robbery, drug trafficking, prostitution and so forth. How he did it for 34 years still amazes me. Again, another parallel to St. Francis and to St. Patrick as he was a "fightin' Irishman" and lived up to his patron saint's name! ;o)
Walt Whitman's poem, "O Captain, My Captain," a notable quote in the 1989 movie, Dead Poet's Society, applies to Dad. Dad was captain/commander for the Dubuque Police Department's criminal investigation department (CID) for 22 of the 34 years he served. Dad was much like Robin Williams character, John Keating. The 10 or 12 investigators he managed were more like sons and daughters as he was like a father, and not a manager, to them. In 1997 Dad retired on Good Friday. It truly was similar to the Passion for the staff and himself. It was much like the Paschal Mystery personified. Ironically, it was death to see him leave behind this part of his life and allow someone else to "take up the cross" for the sake of justice. Yet, he rose to a new life through retirement and living life as if "everyday was Saturday! If it doesn't get done today, it doesn't matter ... tomorrow is Saturday!"
With all of these cooking shows and the Food Network on television these days, I think Dad could have given Rachel Ray or Bobby Flay a run for the money! Whenever there was a steak fry or potluck at the police department, he had to "taste test" everything before anyone else could eat! Seriously, he loved to cook, especially the turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yet, another irony in his life when he prepared his last turkey five days prior to his death on his favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.
Lastly, Dad brought life to the Irish claddagh symbol. He was a man that loved with his whole heart and was a loyal spouse, father, friend and co-worker among many other roles. I will never, ever forget his constant reminder to me, "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." One of many wise and truthful "dad-isms" I will treasure forever.
Although I was not present at the moment he said his last words on his death bed to my family, he is fondly remembered for saying, "Love! Love! Love!" before he drifted into a deep sleep for several hours prior to his passing. This makes me think of Jason Mraz' song, "I'm Yours" where the lyrics repeat the word love three times. This also makes me think of Jesus when he asked Peter three times if he loved Him. What an interesting parallel to ponder.
Thus, each day we are given a gift called life which was freely given to us in love. Each day we have an opportunity to share both of these gifts, life and love, with everyone we encounter. May we be good stewards of these gifts by telling and expressing to those we love, that we truly love them. Live your life without regrets!
With much gratitude, I am indebted to my parents for letting me have my own set of wings to figure out and eventually become who I am in all facets of my life. WOW! What a gift!
So, Dad, here's to you! As you always reminded us, I try to embrace this "dad-ism" every day ... "LIVE A LITTLE!!!!" In other words, don't take life, nor yourself, too seriously! Dad expected us to be our own person and to realize not everyone will like or accept you. It's most important to love yourself before anyone else can love you in return.
Slainte to ye, me ever lovin' Irish father! Know that you are very much alive in many hearts and souls which continue to walk upon this Earth. Your Spirit will never die, Dad because you left us a legacy of memories and stories to hand down for many generations to come. Further, you touched -- and impacted -- way too many lives for that to happen! Continue to watch out and intercede for each of us from your seat in Eternal Life. And, one last request ... give da Cubbies a kick in the pants and let's not have to say "there's always next year" anymore!
With much love, gratitude and hugs from your eldest daughter on this special day --
Kris
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