Disclaimer: I don't own The Dick Van Dyke Show. I have to credit the movie Ordinary People (starring Mary Tyler Moore) and Pawn Stars (the old man specifically) for the inspiration.
Summary: Richie is all grown up now and no longer the cute happy little boy he was. After he learns he is dying at age 78 he writes a letter to his estranged son
To Joe,
You always did like to be called Joe. Your given name was Joseph but you always preferred Joe. Son, I am in the winter of my life and before I pass into the next world there are a few things I want to say to you.
I know it seemed like I was an a-s-s. I know sometimes I was as hard on you as a piece of month old bread. But son I don't want you ever to doubt this. From the very minute you were born I loved you. I will love you after my death. I had some hard times and I didn't know how to cope so I shut down.
Joseph, don't ever make the same mistakes I've made. Cherry is such a beautiful child and she is as pigheaded as you were. Don't shut her out because you don't like the choices she made. I did that with you and I will never forgive myself. Just know that I only did what I thought was right.
Your father
The day Richie died he got a letter in the mail. It was from his son.
"Read it to me," Richie asked his wife.
To my beloved father,
I do forgive you and I love you too.
Joe (not Joseph)
PS Thanks for the reminder
Richie smiled and closed his eyes for the last time. He opened them in heaven.