Melissa Richardson Banks

My father passed away. I knew it would happen someday, but I never expected it at this time. Since 1993, he's been asking me to come back to Texas, and so finally this year, a few months ago, I returned. I knew I needed to see him, and waited until I could slip away for a couple of days. I surprised him, and suddenly realized how ill he really was. He always sounded so positive and upbeat during our regular phone calls. I was glad that my brother Eric was with me so we could attend to his health needs, but it was too late.