Rest In Pease, Andy Griffith!!

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I learned today that Sheriff Taylor of Mayberry, NC, died yesterday. I know I won't be the only one to mention this, but I have a bit of a different spin on it. Growing up, I had a father who made it clear to me that I was not the son he wanted. I was a huge tomboy, which I can only assume was my childish effort to get him to think I was acceptable. However, there were several television shows I used to watch where I dreamed of being one of the kids and having a father like the ones being portrayed. The Andy Griffith Show was one of them. Not only was he affable and kind, Opie was the same age as me and had red hair like I did. Sheriff Taylor was able to secure unruly situations with calmness, reason and not a little humor. No hollering, even when Opie got in trouble. Opie was never made to feel unwanted, unloved or incapable. How I wanted to have a father like that! When Matlock came on television, although the setting was different, I felt that same connection. He was wise and kind and looked for the good in people instead of assuming only the worst. I still wished my father had been like him. My father has been gone for almost nine years now and I'm grateful for the last five years I had with him, but he was NOT father material - at least not for a daughter. Now, Andy Griffith is gone and I feel more like I lost a father than I did with my own. The world needs more people in it like Andy. We are in desperate need of kindness, love and empathy in today's world. Andy, we'll miss you! I know I do. How did Andy Griffith's passing affect you?