(Editor’s note: The following poem was written by Michelle Klein to

her father, John Klein. Donations to the Klein family are being accepted at

Sno Falls Credit Union locations.)

I love you father

As you know,

And how you will never

Understand.

You are encased in my heart

As an immortal role model

Until I have grown

To have your heart

Your wit

Your kindness

Your humor

And you intelligence.

I love you father

For you always have something to say

I stick out my tongue

And you shout

“No thanks,

I use toilet paper.”

In a serious tone.

You share obscene jokes,

Making sure we are old enough

To hear.

As if nothing happened

To draw a tear

You make me laugh

And smile through all the pain.

I remember when you told me

Shared with me that

We would be helping a needy family

For the holidays.

Even though we didn’t have much

To share.

I love you father

It brings a tear to my eye

To think of losing you.

You told me that if

You came down with

An uncurable disease

You would sail

On your boat

And sail off

Playing cards

And die where you always wanted to be.

That made me cry, Dad.

I walked from your room to mine,

Choked, then burst into tears

As I stepped into my room.

Because I know that you could get sick

Anytime now

And I couldn’t bring you back.

I love you father

And I never want to stop

Saying that

Or at least say it for as long as possible.

You taught me, Dad

You prepared me for my future

Molded me into the person

That I will soon be

I wish you could see

That person you made,

And be proud.

This is worth telling you that

I love you Father.

Michelle Klein

North Bend