My Dad's Birthday

Today is my Dad's Birthday.  He would have turned 74 years old.  I wish he was here *in real life* {as Ella and Zoe call it} so I could give him a great big hug, kiss his cheek, talk with him, listen to him, watch him with the girls and Tom, watch him with my Mom.

I really wish he was going to blow out 74 candles on his birthday cake.

I know I have so many wonderful memories that make me smile.  I know he had an amazing life that he lived very well.  I know how important it is to celebrate a life lived so well.  I know that death is part of life.

I still miss my him in a way I can't put into words.

But I also know it was his time and that he was given the gift of a great life.  Those thoughts make me smile, and those thoughts are what I'm trying to focus on for myself, for my Mom, for Ella, for Zoe.  Death is part of life, and when you love big you miss big too (though I have to keep reminding myself of that).

Looking at these pictures, many that I've posted over the years, make me smile too.

(click to enlarge)

Photos from when I was younger:

One of my favorites from the summer after the girls were born, I LOVE his smile:

Dad holding Ella:

Getting cuddles and kisses from Grampa:

Getting ready for Men's Night at preschool:

The best Grampa EVER!!

Zoe playing with Grampa:

Me with my Dad and my girls:

I'm not sure exactly how we'll celebrate Dad's Birthday today, but I am pretty sure it will include a Dairy Queen treat of some sort .....  Ella and Zoe are also making pictures to put on Grampa's spot at the cemetery, and once my mom and sister get home from England (they've been over there for 10 days visiting my niece who is finishing up a 6-week internship) we're going to get together as a family.

So for now, Happy 74th Dad!

I miss you lots, but I love you more.