Dean T. Wickstrom Tribute

Dean was my step-dad for nearly 4 decades. He was the most solid father figure in my life. He never referred to me as his step-daugher he always referred to me as his daughter.

Dean believed in the good in all things and lived by example. He taught me the power of the mind and was the first to point out "stinkin' thinkin". Over the years there were moments that I thought he was delusional in his ever positive outlook. However, I learned as I got older, that his approach; his undying positivity always endured and in the long run it won again and again and again.

Being home the thing I miss the most is the sounds of him rustling about in the early morning - singing or making other loud happy noises. I miss the neck and shoulder rubs. He gave one heck of a good neck and shoulder massage! I miss his laugh, I miss the way he engaged me in conversation and was always interested in what you had to say - even if we didn't agree.

So much of who I am has been influenced by my relationship with him. So I know that his spirit lives inside of me. I am grateful for that and am so grateful that he left this world on his terms, without sacrificing his beliefs and doing what he loved. I can only aspire to do the same.