This year he had one grandson start college, one start their first job, one started kindergarten and one started wearing glasses at a very young age. Not to forget all the other "firsts" for all of his eight grandchildren. He would be so happy and proud of all of them.
Today "we" voted in Donald Trump as the 45th president. I can only imagine what my dad would have thought about this years election process, the candidates, and the outcome. I'm sure he would have had a lot to say. I think about what his thoughts would have been.
During the month of November we take the time each day to give thanks. Thanks for all that we have, our health, our children & family and our many other blessings. We have so much to be thankful for. My dad has taught me, it's not all about the material things we have. He didn't have much, but he died a happy man with a loving wife by his side, three kids to be proud of and loving the Florida weather.
What I miss most is being able to pick up the phone and to talk to my dad. Even if it was about nothing but simply my day. He was usually driving his truck...maybe eating his lunch...it didn't matter what time it was, he always had time to answer his phone. He always gave his approval, his encouraging words and ALWAYS told me that no matter what he was proud of me and who I have become.
As I get older, have more life experiences, live my daily life, I see myself more and more like him. I'm now learning about things he struggled with and dealt with on a daily basis. I wish now, more than ever, I could have been more understanding, more patient and not so stubborn when it came to him and things he chose to do in HIS life. Lessons learned a little too late. He was the one person to understand me, and now I'm understanding him. What I wouldn't give to see and talk to him right now.
What I (we) do now, to honor and remember my dad, is get together with my brothers every year on his birthday. We choose to remember him on his birthday rather than his day of passing. When I'm asked how our lunch went, I get silent and I think about what answer I'm about to give. My lunch (our lunch) was fine. Just fine. It's probably the one time a year that I am together with both my brothers in the same room. Everyone is so busy. I have to travel to meet them. One brother has to take a "long" lunch break. I have to leave early to pick up kids from school and one has to leave to get ready for work. I am SO thankful that no matter how long (or short) our visit is, it's as important to my brothers as it is for me. I don't think there is anything in the world that would make my dad more happy and proud. We may discuss more about our everyday lives than him, but we are together, around a table, on his birthday, for him! Today, we celebrate my dad!
Happy Birthday Dad!
I love and miss you more than you'll ever know.
This picture is for you!
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