My Dad, My Buddy

Our parents would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Jan 23. But Dad passed away at home from complications of heart failure.

I am 1 of 8 children, I am proud of the way we rallied as a family, taking turns staying with Dad, scheduling around work and kids to spend time with him and support mom.

I loved my days with him, he was ready for a foot rub, or his nails to be filed, and the man loved his back scratched...or sometimes just to hold his hand while he slept. We had a pinky swear he could be a crabby patty and I totally understood but I got a smile everyday and he had to show me his pretty blues too... he kept that promise every time I walked in.

I miss my dad more than I would have ever imagined, I try not to count the days he's been gone, or how it hurts when I pick up the phone to call him or walk in the door and he isn't there, waiting for me to ask for my smile... and I will never forget the gift I was given when he reached for my hand, opening his blue eyes and dad smiled at me. I am grateful every day for the time with him and that I was with him to hold his hand when he needed me.