One Year

One year ago today, at 10:45 AM, I said good bye to my hero...my Dad.

I miss him.  Every single day.  I think about him all the time, I pray for him all the time.

The thing I've learned about grief this year is that it doesn't really go away or get better.  You just learn to live with it, and it becomes your new normal.  I hate having to have a normal that doesn't include my dad.

I love you Daddy.  You will always be my hero.  I love you to the moon and back.

Hello FALL!

It is the most glorious of fall days here in Nebraska.  Yesterday morning dawned hot and muggy, much like the rest of the summer here in the midwest.  Around 3:00, a cold front blew through with some pretty strong winds, and a few raindrops.  When it had past, miracles of miracles, the humidity was gone, the sun came out, and it was beautiful!

We left our windows open over night, and it was so nice to air the house out and turn off the A/C.  Today, as I type this, my windows are still open and there is a beautiful cool breeze blowing in.  I did some fall deep cleaning yesterday, and when I was finished, I treated myself by getting out my fall decorations.  Here is my mantel...

I am a summer girl at heart, but I do love fall as well. I love the apple orchard and the pumpkin patch, and all of the fun activities that go along with the great weather during this beautiful season.  And after three months of sizzling Nebraska summer heat, we are always ready for a cool down.

I think we are all finally on the mend around here.  Charlie and Sammy are both slowly getting over their bout with croup and high fevers.  Jeff and Evan are feeling better too. Me?  I am marveling over the fact that I am the only one who hasn't gotten sick.  (Knock on wood!)  Maybe after 12 years of teaching my immune system is FINALLY getting better!

My family is coming up on some tough days during the month of September.  September 13th would have been my Dad's 59th birthday.  Our first without him.  On the 28th, it is the one year anniversary of his death.  Both come with an aching sadness over not being with him.  I feel strongly that on both days we need to create some new traditions...traditions that focus on celebrating Dad's life, and not just remembering his death.  Because his life was so much more powerful, positive, and beautiful than the 8 weeks that took him from us.  So, on Dad's birthday I invited my family over to have Dad's favorite meal of fried chicken and cherry pie.  On the 28th, we will meet at the cemetery and hold a prayer service, and then we will go to Dad's favorite restaurant and remember good times and the many reasons why we love him so.  On both days, we will be together, and I am certain beyond certain that Dad will be with us too.