Missing Dad

Dad and Sarah in France visiting Joe and Karen. He is demonstrating "that look" referred to below! :) Notice strong jaw and chin jutting forward while brow is furrowed!

Dad, Sarah, and Joe

Dad, Anne, Kathy, and Sarah May 1997

Kelly, Mike, Maura, and Joe September 2000

My dad died five years ago today and he has been missed ever since. I talk to him all the time so I know that he knows what is going on in my life. At dad's memorial I wrote a letter to him, defining what he meant to me. One day I will be able to watch the video. I thought I'd write a letter to Dad. English major that he was, I know he will have some critique of my writing but hopefully he will enjoy the style and voice of my message.

Dad,

Not a day goes by where there are not reminders of you. There are so many moments I wish you could have been a part of and I try to reassure myself you get to see them even if you are not here. By the way, where are you, exactly? It would clear up a lot of questions!


Things I know you would have loved: Keira!! Sarah meeting and marrying the love of her life! Seeing what a SMART athlete Jamison is! Seeing Obama become president, even if you would say we have a long way to go! All the trips we have taken, especially Alaska...then mom could have dragged you to "dirty glaciers"! How much work mom has done on the house! Me getting National Boards without you to edit my papers (since we know the masters degree probably should have been co received by you)! Joe's awesome writing in the New York Times! All the family coming together to celebrate Sarah and Tony! Byron finding a job he loves! Sarah and Tony taking a trip around the world! Mom going with them to Africa! Jamison's first taste of salt water! My friends, Dawn and Charlie! That I'm friends with Tim on Facebook, and mom talks to Taft all the time! That Jamie and I made a family reunion next week! That Michelle was given your car! McCoy! That Ernie married Sarah and Tony! That Bush left the white house! I'm reading again! The Road! That we eat birthday cake on your birthday every year! The Mountain West joining the BCS! How well Aztec Basketball did last year (you would have been at every game)! Time with us!

Things you would have made "that look" about: us buying this house! my minivan! Tony and Byron winding each other up! Loosing Nancy! Loosing Grandma Vernie! Loosing Meme! Loosing Pere! Sarah and Tony taking a trip around the world! That we haven't gone to Borrego Springs! Facebook! That robbers came, again! McCoy! Water rationing in San Diego! The BCS! All the drama with San Diego High Basketball! That Sarah's message machine is broken so she is even harder to get a hold of! That I still won't use the phone (but I will call for pizza if Byron's not home)!


There are so many more memories and things I could add but I will leave with the most important message of all:

I love you everyday, Dad. I am so glad you were and are in my life!