Dedicated to my Dad

William Basil Pukatch

1927 – 2015

“The nicest guy you ever met.”

This book was originally intended to be a tribute to Dad’s life and the way he lived. Dad lived with great passion and dedication to family and friends. He also transformed himself along the way, seeking to repair mistakes and recover lost time with loved ones. He reached out to me when I was 30 years old to restore our wounded relationship. I didn’t even know then how much we were alike. Today, that makes me cry.

While writing Hydrangeas from Dad, I came to realize that how we experienced Dad’s dying mirrored his living. His life path and purpose, from his own father’s death when he was just 12 years old until his last active day on earth, was to help others, live with fierce gusto and to make life better for those he loved. Through Dad’s life and death, we grew into our strongest selves and bonded as a family. 

The book you hold in your hands was inspired by Dad after his passing and honors his spirit in both life and death. Dad’s spirit in life was intentional, passionate, and determined, just as our last intimate hours together were. And his determination of spirit has continued after his passing. 

So, here’s to you Dad! I raise my glass! Nostrovia! I bow in gratitude, honor and love. To the generous, passionate, intentional and loving way you lived and died. To the parts of you that live on in each of us to help make us better and help make our lives and all we touch better.  To the man who showed me the importance of putting my heart and soul fully into everything I did. Today, I embrace how you and I are alike, and I smile! You continue to be my spirit guide and I welcome each contact we continue to have.