We've made it through the "first" of everything without him. Our first Thanksgiving, Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, family picnic, Father's Day, family vacation, birthdays, and the list goes on.
Now we've actually had two Thanksgivings without Dad. I think I was so numb the Thanksgiving right after Dad died that this year felt more like the first one without him. I imagine Christmas will be much the same.
It definitely hasn't been easy and some days were incredibly hard and long, but you know what? We made it!
We made it because we had each other, our faith, the love of family and friends, and the beautiful legacy Dad left us.
Dad taught us the importance of family not only by his words but by his actions. Dad always put his family first. Always.
Dad attended countless sporting events, plays, dance recitals, and school activities. Were there other places Dad could have been - maybe even wanted to be? I'm sure, but he never let on.
Were there hobbies or personal interests Dad wished he could have pursued? Probably. But he never mentioned them.
I believe Dad found true happiness not by having everything he wanted, but by wanting everything he had. It's a lesson I need to learn and then learn again!
Dad was never happier than when he was surrounded by his family and friends, drinking a cold beer, and laughing so hard at the stories he was telling that tears poured from his beautiful blue eyes.
On the anniversary of Dad's death the four of us got together to celebrate Dad's life. We told stories, shared memories, laughed til we cried, and then cried some more.
I think Dad would've approved.
