This section is in memory of Donald Harvey Headings (my grand father), from Harrisburg, Oregon, who was killed in a firey plane crash on March 17th, 1947. If you are related to him (by blood or by marriage), please join the Relatives of Donald Harvey Headings group on facebook.com. My Daddy (written by my mom, Donna Headings - Kropf) It was March 17th, 1947 a beautiful day for flying. A young man came into the house and told his wife of one-and-a-half years that he was flying with two other men on a short business trip to a town about a hundred miles away, and would be back that evening in time for chores. He took her gently into his arms, kissed her good-bye, then kissed the little girl in her arms and said, "Take good care of baby for me," and waved as he went out the door to leave. Their business over, the young man joyfully waved good-bye to his uncle and got into the plane to go home to his wife and child. The plane took off and headed into the sky. Then, just as suddenly, it took a nose dive into the ground. All was quiet. The men's heads were bent in death. God took her Daddy home to Heaven. Then there were flames all around. Those watching tried to help, but to no avail. There was nothing they could do. Did the young wife and mother know her sweetheart would never come home again? I think she felt it in her heart. God had called home a husband and Daddy. That little girl had an empty void in her heart as she grew up. She wished to have known her Daddy. I was that little girl. Through the years I have wondered what it would've been like to sit on his lap and talk to him. What would I say? I'd tell him I loved him. I'd see others girls and their Daddy's having a good time together and wonder, do they realize what a privilege it is to have their Daddy's with them? Do they show the love they have for him? Then I'd see the love and pride in their eyes and they did. Yes my Mother remarried, and I had a happy life, but the void in my heart was still there. The longing and ache in my heart grew. So I started Praying that God would send my Daddy to me in a dream. I kept Praying this for several weeks. Then one night my daddy came. I was at a family reunion; we were in a dimly lit room. Then at the other side of the room, there was a soft glow. I looked up and there stood my Daddy. I knew it was him right away. I made my way to him and said, do you know who I am? He nodded and smiled. "I said I am your daughter," as he took my hand in both of his and squeezed, He looked into my eyes and smiled, filling the empty void. For the first time, I felt the love in his smiling eyes and in the squeeze of his hands.Then he was gone. When I woke up, I was shaking and crying. It was so real. For days it seemed as if he really had been right there with me for a few precious minutes. Who knows? Maybe he really was. The emptiness in my little-girl heart is no longer so empty. God made a place in the heart of every little girl and boy that can only be filled by a Daddy's love. God sent my Daddy to me to somewhat fill that space. I have seen the love in his smile and felt the love in the squeeze of his hands. If you still have your Daddy, cherish him dearly. Let him know you love him. Fill your heart with his love, for you never know -- God may take him home without a moment's notice. Donna (Headings) Kropf PropSpinner Home