A Year Ago Today

I'm not sure what to say, but I am being reflective. One year ago I watched my dad die. It had been a long four-year battle with brain cancer. There were so many blessings and miracles during the fight that we all knew, and felt that the Lord was strengthening my Dad and my family during his illness. I had always felt Dad wouldn't die until he felt ready, and that was true. His passing was at home with the whole family gathered around. We loved Dad, but we all felt it was time too. The funeral was wonderful. It really did help us to see so many people who cared for and were friends of my Dad.

I can't help though but think of what's happened in the last year. That Abigail was born. Mom moved. Spencer is expecting his first child, Sarah her third. Ashley was baptized. There will be so many more family events, so many more grandchildren that he will never know in this life. I know that the only way my children will know their Grandpa is through stories that I tell of him. It is a great responsibility. He was an adventurer, a scout, a gardener, a builder. He loved his wife. He loved to learn, he owned several books about identifying the birds, trees and flowers around him.

My Dad seemed to loved me individually. That may have seemed hard sometimes, having eight daughters. But he seemed to know each of our strengths and weaknesses. He would always encourage me in my dancing and my music. He really seemed to enjoy my logic, how a came to different solutions than him. He helped me navigate through some hard relationships.

I love my Dad and can't wait to see him again.