RALPH CONRAD SHELTON, My Daddy

My daddy is the sweetest, kindest and most gentle man I know. He is tender and loving, sensitive and generous. I love him very very much.

My mom passed away in 2004 after 50 years of marriage, a loving marriage to the end, leaving my dad alone and with a broken heart. I had serious doubts about whether his broken heart could be mended.
















Although he is by nature somewhat of an introvert - shy really - and was dealing with an enormous sense of grief and loss, sadness and loneliness, he went on living each day. He attended birthday parties, holiday celebrations, dance performances, plays, family dinners, graduations and more. My love for and pride in my dad grew each day as he took care of himself physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually; in the ways he remembered my mother; as he developed his own interests - dancing, reading, the history channel; as he worked to improve his computer skills; made home improvements; took dance lessons; researched his family history; accepted and loved my children unconditionally.


When I was small, I would stand on top of my dad's feet and dance with him, snuggle on his lap, and listen as he read aloud from a storybook. When I was a teenager he helped me clean out my closet on countless occasions, took me to buy my first bra and taught me to drive a stick shift. As a young woman he walked me down the aisle at my wedding. As a new mom he rocked my crying babies to sleep. And as a grieving daughter he hugged me as if he would never let me go. He drove me to school, to meetings, to work. He supported my whims and my fancies. He even made me breakfast in the morning on school days (and now he makes me the best mimosas!) I just love my daddy.

One evening in January of this year I received a phone call from my dad to let me know he was going to do something he had not done in over 50 years. He was going out on a date with a lady. With Roberta. I had not yet met Roberta, so he sent me a photo of her via email. I don't know what was cuter. The picture of Roberta or his giddiness and happiness at the mention of her name. After that, Roberta and my Dad were practically inseparable. Holding hands as they walked, going to the movies together and out for meals. Just adorable.


My dad recently celebrated his 75th Birthday and we held a party in his honor. It was at this party my dad made a special announcement. He and Roberta were going to be married on November 14, 2009. From across the room, through my tears of joy, I could see his beaming smile as he stood in front of his friends and family and told everyone that he loved Roberta, that she loved him and they were going to spend the rest of their lives together.
Roberta has filled an empty place in my daddy's wounded heart and it is beginning to mend. And I couldn't be happier for him. For both of them.
Love you Daddy and Roberta. Happiness and Love to you both always. becca