I lost my Papa six years ago to cancer.  He was tough as nails and fought the evil beast with all he had, but in the end the cancer won.  Not a day goes by that I don't miss him.  He was one of the few people in the world who I felt truly got me, most likely because I am so much like him.  He taught me everything from how to have a strong work ethic to how to take a bullhead off a fishing hook.  He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for over twenty years.  Although this took him away from our family at the most unfortunate times (most notably in the middle of opening presents on Christmas morning - it is so hard to wait as a kid!) I was always so proud of him.  It was ok that he had to leave us; he was out there trying to save someone's life.  I realized how many people's lives my Papa touched when we found out he had cancer.  The support he received from everyone he knew was overwhelming and meant so much to us all.  What I wouldn't give to have one more day with him, to talk to him, for him to be able to meet my two sons and my niece - his grandchildren.  I know he would have loved being a grandpa.  I watch my boys with my father-in-law, and although I feel so blessed that he is so close to them, I wish my Papa was here to enjoy them as well.  I sometimes feel cheated that I had to lose him when I was only 29 and he was 51, but I try not to focus on the negative and remember all of the good times we had together.  I am lucky to have had such a good relationship with such a wonderful dad.  So Happy Father's Day Papa!  I know you are shining in the stars watching over our family, and I love you so much.