As I write this article, my thoughts go back to April 25, 63 years ago. I was 20 years old serving in the Navy aboard the USS Saufley, a destroyer in Key West, Fla. It was a typical day with the daily routine of life on a ship.

A couple weeks earlier, I was home for Easter on a 14-day leave. On my return to the ship, I wrote to my dad and apologized for not spending much time at home. I was too busy having what some people call fun — drinking, running around and staying out late.

In the letter I told my dad that he was the best father anyone ever had. He was responsible for the recreation activities for the kids in the neighborhood.

He built the only basketball court in Reserve and in 1952, was instrumental in the first organized Little League baseball program.

With all of that, the best gift he gave us was the way he loved and respected our mom.

Looking back, I had a great childhood because of an unselfish, compassionate dad who cared about his children and others.

These were my grateful thoughts on that night 63 years ago.

The next day, April 26, I was called up to report to the officer in charge. Two Red Cross men greeted me with the news that my dad, only 48 years old, had died suddenly at 2 a.m.

My reaction was one of unbelief. I had just been home. My dad was healthy. It must be a mistake. It wasn’t. I returned for the funeral and functioned like it was just a bad dream.

Today, as I look back to April 26, 1955, I still think about my dad and miss him.

The letter I wrote was found years later by my brother, Mark, and given to me. It was the only one he kept of many that I wrote.

I am so thankful for the good memories that outweigh the grief, which came with my dad’s death.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.