It’s January.
The month my dad died a year ago.
The month my dad was born.
I just passed the first Christmas without him. It seems so many things lately have been about the “first” or the “last.” Some days are difficult. Yet my mind is filled with amazing memories and experiences about him.
So, this month, I’m going to celebrate him with you.
The posts of this month might not be the same as I usually write, but don’t check out quite yet. My posts will all be, in some way, about my dad, but although you probably didn’t know him, I think you’ll be able to connect with what I write. Maybe you had a great dad, and maybe you didn’t. Maybe you and I were raised in some similar ways, and maybe we weren’t. Regardless of what we share (or don’t), I know we have some things in common that we can celebrate. We all know gain and loss. We all know love, fun, disappointment, and adventure.
I hope you’ll see a bit of yourself and your loved ones through some of my stories.
I hope you’ll savor your own snapshots of life by glancing through a few of mine.
I pray you laugh and perhaps cry, and that through both, you enjoy life a bit more.
My heart hurts for you Susan. The 31st of December marked the 19th anniversary of my dad’s death. Thank you for sharing your journey here. Your dad looks like he was a lot of fun!
19 years. It seems so long but probably also seems short. May your memories, faith, and hope continue to carry you through.
It does seem like a long time ago, but every year at the holidays there are reminders of our loss. Our youngest daughter was only 6 months old; she is now 19 and a sophomore in college. Our other daughter is now 23, and nearly done with her social work degree. Time has flown, and yet it seems almost surreal. I have enjoyed your posts about your memories of your dad, whether I have commented or not. Keep sharing.
Thanks, Shauna. Love and blessings to you and your family!
Susie,
A year already. Louie was a joyful soul. A smile, a hug, a joke at the ready. He was contagious!!!! I miss him. I wish words could ease your heartache. Prayers for you and yours Susie. I will leave you with my last Louie joke…
How do you make Holy water…you boil the hell out of it!
Thanks, Cindy. That was definitely one of his favorites! He adored you. 🙂 So many good memories.
I lost my dad just over 2 years ago. This was our 3rd Christmas without him. He loved all the decorations and Christmas Carols. My dad was a singer and luckily I have some of his favorite songs recorded!!
God bless you as you continue to adjust to not having him daily.
Thanks for sharing, Deborah. I love that you have some of your dad’s favorite songs recorded! Hearing his voice must be comforting to you!
My dad and I rode an ATV together the last several years, and I have a short video of a ride. No words, just being together. I will post it at the end of the month as I close this series.
Blessings to you!