Robert M. Welch

Amy Stoddard,
Donor Daughter

My Dad

I lost my Dad on May 27, 2005. I didn't get to say goodbye or look into his eyes one last time. I hope, through his donation, someone else will have the chance to see and love all of the many things he did.

My Dad liked to take pictures. Some people take pictures of scenery or places they visit. My Dad only did this if we were in the picture. He often took pictures of a favorite car or motorcycle, but they almost always had someone he loved standing beside them. As our family has looked through these pictures in the last month, I realized he liked seeing his family. He took pictures of the people he loved.

He learned to develop pictures while he was in the Army and started taking pictures of his first and only love, my Mom. They shared over 50 years of marriage - quite a standard set for me to follow. There were many grandkids and great-grandkids, and grandkids fishing with him. My sister and I have hoped for a sign to tell us that he knew we loved him. I now know as I look at all these pictures of us smiling into the camera at him that he photographed our love for him in each and every picture.

You are greatly missed, Dad. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and wish I could see you one more time. You will always be loved and live on in our lives and hearts through the many memories and pictures we have with you.