It took 20 years, but I granted my dad his last wish (washingtonpost.com) It took 20 years, but I granted my dad his last wish By Daniel Wolfe 2025122511005700 My dad never wanted a memorial. A Midwestern man, born in Cleveland, he didn't like the idea of people gathered around talking about him. His father's business often uprooted their family, taking them to new towns with new schools for my dad to navigate new friendships that never took hold.