Dear Dad, This is a letter I should have written a long time ago. You taught me to tie my shoelaces, tell the time, swim in the Mediterranean, sing Irish songs in the car, but most of all a love of reading. Not many 10 year old girls in an interview for the Girl's High School, when asked their favourite author answer "Edgar Rice Burroughs". You ran the library in the barracks and brought me books you thought I might like to read, and I did. You once said you were sorry we didn't have a regular childhood, but my Army childhood was exciting and definitely not boring. We lived by a lagoon filled with flocks of pink flamingos, avoided wild dogs in the desert, caught two-headed spiders, played hockey on roller skates on the flat roof and were rescued from a mob of Arabs by the Army! We were dancing partners in the Officer's Mess and you taught me the slow foxtrot (not well). When I was older we went for a drink at the pub like old friends. Never again will I see that wonderful smile that always greeted me. Nobody will ever again call me "kid" or "love" or send a letter to "my darling daughter", but I can still hear you saying it. Most of all I know you loved me and I knew that if I needed anything you would be there for me as you always were. Mum used to say "you're just like him" - would that I were - I'd be a better person than I am. For everything you ever did for me I thank you, and I will miss you, and love you forever, but you will always be with me. May you be with Mum again, as you have missed her for so long. Love you Dad, Wendy