When I was a Sophomore in high school, I sang, "The Little Drummer Boy," at a school Christmas concert.
It was one of the few times my Dad got to hear me sing, other than in church.
About 2 months later, my Dad died in a truck/train accident at work. Ten years later, while talking to my Dad's boss, I learned that he was bragging the next day at work, about how well I sang the song. I wondered many times since then, if he even noticed I messed up, and completely left out the last line - "me and my drum".
Looking back, my Dad knew that song. He had probably sang it hundreds of times. Then why did he make such a fuss that his boss remembered for 10 years? I think he was probably happy that I had done my best. I tried. That's what being a Dad is all about. You don't just show your kids love when they win or succeed. You love them all the time. You're proud of them for trying their best.
This love doesn't die just because he does. It goes on forever.