6 years ago....

My precious dad lost his battle with cancer. He is, and will always be, the most courageous, amazing and positive person I have ever known. His teasing mannerisms, the way he could point out the good in any situation and his love were apparent and felt, to the very end.

It is hard to believe it has been 6 years. That is the funny thing with grief and loss...it feels like so much time has passed, and at the same time feels like it was just yesterday. It always surprises me that I can feel such drastically different things at the same time. Sometimes I think about all that has changed since he passed away...moving to the city, finding my job, getting married!...and then I think about how much is still the same....our loving family, my love of the outdoors, playing the piano for him...

Even more surprising than that though...is that life does go on. And the hurt doesn't ache like it used to. And I have at times felt almost guilty for that...for being so happy, but then I remind myself...that is what dad wanted. He wanted us to continue on with our lives, finding the good...

So dad...6 years later I am happy to tell you that it doesn't hurt every day like it used to, that I have found the good, and I am doing great. I still miss you every day, your sweet smile and calming presence...but then again, you already know that. You watch over me every day. I love you.