Dad,

I always wondered why you made a joke about everything. Yes, I laughed even when it wasn’t funny; mostly, because I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.

But, I wished we could have held more meaningful and serious conversations together.

Maybe you were afraid to speak from your heart. I think that I know you better now, after your death.

I feel that I really missed knowing you while I had the opportunity.

After researching your life story, I understand you much better. I never knew you were abandoned by Grandma when you were a toddler.

For much of my youth, you were serving time in a penitentiary. I feel that the rest of your life, you were living in your own personal prison.

You were always guarded with your thoughts and feelings. When you told me, “I could tell you stories that could sell a book,” I regret not asking you what you meant.

It could have saved many years of research!

Mom used to say that you were a character. How ironic that you ARE a character in a book!

I still love you and miss you!

Editor’s Note: Debbie Frye and her sister co-authored a book about their father and his life of crime entitled, “Our Father Who Aren’t In Heaven: A True Story of a Career Criminal.” The book (and e-book) is available on the sisters’ website and also from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.