Feb 28

Happy Birthday Dad.

Last year our birthday came so quickly after your death, it really didn't sink in.

For the past 2 weeks I have had an anxious feeling, like I am forgetting something. As I was folding laundry last night it hit me, your birthday present. I felt as though I should be looking for or talking about what to get you for your birthday. Such a strange feeling. I'll never again have to agonize about what to get your for your birthday...only to have you return it.

You know it's true.

Lucy talks about you all the time. Her grandparent (she is into using the formal word, grandparent) who lives in Heaven with God. Not too long ago she asked me if God was finished fixing you and could He send you back. She felt like He should share. I can't blame her.

Hayes is starting to identify you in pictures. We put a picture of you holding him above his changing table. We say hi to you on a regular basis. Last month he was acting like a wild man while having his diaper changed (shocker) and he kicked the picture. He looked at it and said, "Sowee Poppers". Sweet business.

A few weeks ago we went to the Challenge Signing Day dinner, a tradition you started all those years ago. It was amazing to see how far it had come from the homemade signs you made on our printer. 5 scholarships were given away in your name. Even though the recipients had probably never met you, Pat made sure that they knew what the scholarship represented. Per usual, I was proud to be your daughter.

Tonight we will celebrate a good friend at his rehearsal dinner. A party on your birthday. You wouldn't have it any other way.

I miss you every day.

Every day.