Merry Christmas I would have wrapped you your gift of underwear, socks, and peanuts!

Merry Christmas, Dad!
Another holiday has come and gone without you. Thinking of you today. Wondering what you might be doing?

If you were here, I would give you some socks, underwear, and peanuts! I miss that. I miss our crazy gift exchange where we wondered what crazy gifts we would all get. I miss having a meal and laughing with you. I miss being able to talk to you.

I miss the rest of the fam too. Would be nice if we could all be together again.

Miss the old times!

These times now, are good, but definitely not the same. I am thankful for new traditions, but will always remember the old.

Merry Christmas, Dad.

I love you and miss you!

Winter Memories

It's been almost a month since I have written on here. The craziness of this time of year is to blame.
Many things this season have reminded me of my Dad.

Chex Party Mix-one of my Dad's holiday favs.
Snow-and the snow removal that comes with it.
Ice-Icing the sidewalks and the driveway while trying not to slip
Anything weather related reminds me of my Dad, especially winter weather. The cold never seemed to bother him. He always made sure: snow was shoveled, ice was melting, and the driveway was clear.

I haven't mastered the snow-blower yet. Usually, I shovel the old fashioned way and leave the hard stuff for my husband. As I complain about the snow removal, I am reminded of my Dad his obsession with it. A smile always follows these thoughts.

Happy Thanksgiving

Dad,
I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving in Heaven.

As with any other holiday, I missed you a lot on this day. On holidays, I think about what it was like with all of us together. I remember the meals, football, laziness, traveling, goofing around, and so much more.

Now, I am working on new traditions for my family. Trying to carry on the traditions from when I was growing up.

Thinking of you, Dad.

Miss you and love you!

Banana Splits!

Right now as I sit eating a banana it reminds me of the banana split I had on Saturday, and triggers a memory of my Dad.

Dad loved banana splits. Katy reminded me of that last weekend. I remember that, and was glad that she did too.

Ah the little things that still remind me of you.

Seeing Mom makes me think of you too. Remembering all the fond memories from growing up. I can only hope to carry on some of those same traditions for my family.

Dad, I miss you and love you!

2 years ago today I said goodbye

It's been 2 years today since I last saw you, Dad.

The bittersweet time came around 6 that evening. I watched you peacefully take your last breath. I cried and cried...but still felt a sense of relief.

Now, things are still the same...just different without you. I remember the past, the memories, good and bad. I have decided not to let the past be my future.

When my Dad passed away, my world stopped. I found comfort in nothing. Not even my own family could fix my emotions.

Today, as I reflect upon that day, or better that week leading up to that day, I still find myself asking the same questions.

It's hard for me not to think about this day, on today, Dad's death anniversary.

But rather than focus on the sadness, I have decided to think about the positive times.

Today, in your honor, Dad, I did these things for you!

I mowed the lawn-because I remember how much you loved yard work and mowing lawn always makes me think of you.
I drank your favorite pop-mello yellow
and
I ate your favorite turkey sammie for lunch.

Thank you, Dad for the happy memories. I am thinking of you today, as I do everyday.

I miss you and love you!


:) Moo

Time passes by...

We take for granted many things in life. We are all guilty in some way of this. I try to remind myself when I start to do this in my own life. It happens. We get busy. We get preoccupied with our events in life and before we know it...time passes and we are older.

This past week, I visited a nursing home while I was substitute teaching and could not help but to think of my Grandfather who recently passed, and my father, who passed almost 2 years ago.

I wonder what my Dad would have been like as an old man? Sadly, I will not get a chance to see that. My Grandfather, frail and ailing in his last month of life, was probably pretty close to what my Dad would have looked like.

Part of me is thankful that my Dad did not have to endure the nursing home route, etc. The other part of me wishes he could experience growing old.

Just a little bit of points to ponder.

Happy Father's Day in Heaven!

It's Father's Day and I miss my father! It has been almost 2 years since he has passed away and not a day has gone by that I have not thought about him.
Dad, I think about you more today because it is Father's Day. I miss our traditional visits and gatherings on this day. I remember the cookouts at my house in Ripon. Those were good times. Today, as I travel home from a family trip to Michigan, I think of you. Stories of remember when are going though my head.
Listening to my kids ask "how much longer?" reminds me of our trips to IL. I am thankful I have a husband and children to spend the weekend with. Spending time with them reminds me of things we did when I was young.
I know I said this before, but I will say it again. Dad, thank you. I am glad I spent almost 28 years of my life with you. I am thankful for that time. Yes, it was cut very short when you passed, but I am thankful for the time that we did have. I can only imagine what life would be like with you still here. Know that we still love you and think of you often. Today, when I arrive home, I will do something in your memory.
Dad, you loved and are missed. Happy Father's Day!