April 10, 2008

The date in the title changed my life forever.  This day was probably the worst day of my life.  And today as I sit here and write this blog 3 years later I've decided this day will no longer be sad.  For 2 weeks I have dreaded this date.  Yes it's been 3 years since my dad died and as I think about the man he was and the person he would want me to be I'm reminded that he wouldn't want me or anyone who knew him to be sad today.  He would want us to celebrate his life, party, and remember all the good times.  Lord knows there were plenty.  Although, I would be lying if I acted as if there isn't a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I write this.  My dad was like no other man I have ever known.  Although I have to admit they say a girl marries her dad...I fully believe that, lord knows my husband is about as close to my dad as I can get.  My most recent best memory of my dad was our last family trip to Daytona.  I have never seen him happier.  He loved having the bikes there and being able to ride on the beach.  The best time and most memorable for me was at the Boot Hill.  We sat down and had a few drinks and it was at that time that I saw my dad relaxed and happy.  That day was probably on of the best.  That whole trip was the best, for me anyway.  My new take on today is to celebrate, be happy, and remember all the good things.  He wouldn't want a single one of us to be sad.  He would want us to laugh and and tell all the great stories that we have.  If you didn't know my dad let me give you a little incite.  My dad was a big teddy bear, on most occasions.  The rest of the time he was a gruff, take no crap grizzly bear.  And he would fight and defend his cubs like no other.  My dad would do anything for anyone until you crossed the line, then you had to prove to him he could trust you again.  Growing up he didn't do much with my brother and I, but he made up for it later on.  When I was younger I couldn't imagine sitting down and talking to my dad, but as I got older, I couldn't imagine not talking to my dad.  He was notorious for calling at random with silly thoughts or just to ask what you were watching on TV so he could watch with you and talk on the phone.  I never dreamed my dad would be like that, but he was.

So take a minute today to remember those you may have lost in your life.  And while you do that try to remember something great about them.  I know for me, it was just spending time with my dad.  Our daddy, daughter motorcycle rides, hanging out with him on his days off, just him and I.  I couldn't be more blessed to have had such a great man in my life.  And today I will smile knowing how happy I made him during his time here.