My First Father's Day Without Him

My First Father's Day Without Him, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Yesterday was strange. It was the day to celebrate fathers, and mine is gone. I knew the day would be hard, but I didn't anticipate just how much. Oh how I miss him. Sometimes I think I can hear him say my name, and other times I can see his smile and hear his laugh in my mind. I hope that never goes away. I hope it stays trapped in my memory forever. We visited his resting place yesterday, and my girl left a small gift that she made for him. Last summer she and her grandpa spent many days in the shade talking, and all the while she made friendship bracelets. Each one was unique and each time she finished she would show him the final result. Now he has his own special bracelet designed just for him. She misses him as much as I do, and sometimes it is so painful to see her hurt. She misses her friend just as I do. We couldn't have asked for a better dad or grandpa. Happy Belated Father's Day to my dad, and to my wonderful husband. As my own dad told me before he passed away, "You couldn't have chosen a better husband and father for your children." Once again his wisdom rings so true. I love them both so much.