December 13, 2000... 14 years ago... A day that's hard to forget and at the same time hard to remember. It was 14 years ago today that my daddy died of a brain tumor.
It is crazy to think that he has been gone almost longer than I knew him. And he has definitely been gone longer than any of my siblings knew him. I have memories, though they are fading, so right now, on this difficult day, I will share a few...
May 15, 1989 - Mother’s Day
I wish I could say I specifically remember this picture, but I don’t. I remember I always loved picking dandelions and any kind of flower I could get my hands on. I know that I was excited for my new baby sister that was about to come. I believe this was actually your due date Sarah, May 15, but being stubborn, you made mommy wait a whole 10 more days! What do I say about daddy in this picture? He was a handsome man.
March 27, 1990 - Daddy’s Birthday
This specific birthday cake I don’t remember, but I do remember that almost every year my mom would make my dad a homemade strawberry cake for his birthday. That was his favorite! I love it too! His love for strawberries might be part of the reason I love them so much. Whenever I have strawberry cake or cupcakes, it brings back many happy memories. It is amazing the memories that taste and sound can bring back. Also, the cake is a running shoe. My dad loved to run. I love to run too. After he died, running became a way that I could relate to him now that he was gone. All of my competitive races have been done in his memory. According to the cake, he turned 33 that year… that’s weird to think that I am only 3.5 years away from that and my husband turns 33 next year… very weird! I would make Mike a strawberry cake, if only he liked strawberries...
May 1990
This picture just made me laugh. Apparently it is a polaroid. We all look like we are going to go play golf or something. The expression on mine and Sarah’s face is priceless. We just look so confused. Behind us is father and son. Two great men, who followed their God, loved their family, served their county, and led a life well-lived. We miss them both, but because of them, we are who we are today. When daddy passed away, grandpa stepped in and helped us make it through those next 13 years.
These pictures are just a small glimpse of so many fun memories! Micah and Bekah,I’m sorry you are not in any of these pictures. They are from the most recent photo album from Nannie and the rest of my pictures are in storage. But I want you to know, that you were so loved by your daddy as well. I know it is hard because you were so young when he died, but I know he would have given anything to be around for more years. And if he could see what you were doing now, he would be proud.
Our family has changed. I can’t imagine life without Scott, Achlee, Alec and Aaron and I am happy to have them as family. However, especially on the anniversary of his death, I think it is important to remember his life well-lived. We need to remember, who he was, what he accomplished and how he loved. He was a man that loved his family, loved his God and shared that love with everyone he met. Although, I only knew him for 15 years, I am thankful for the memories and the way he left imprints on all of us, no matter how long he knew us!
I miss you, daddy! Have a Merry Christmas in heaven singing with the angels!
