I’m learning to think in past tense. 
My father was one of my best friends. 
He sang in a community choir. 
He taught Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
He made steampunk jewelry
and loved to go to the comic cons.
He loved me.
He listened to me.
He showed up when I needed him, 
even if he had to drive 7 hours to be here.
I forget and have to correct myself. 
I wonder how long it will take
until I always remember
that the past is permanent.