Dear Dad –
There are days that I am not sure why I say yes to certain opportunities. Sometimes it seems like a good idea and then as it gets closer, in the beginning of it, or even in the middle of it; it becomes messy. I think I could just be at home completing the things on my to-do list. I wonder why I put myself through the stress or even the annoyance of it. However, when I stick it out I am usually pleased or rewarded. It can be with just something as simple as a child making me smile or laugh.
Laughter truly is the best medicine. Today, as I was substitute teaching again the laughter of the children warmed my heart. Who doesn’t love the sound of laughter, especially from young children. I listened as they danced and laughed. I listened as they told me a story or a joke, I laughed, and then they laughed. I listened as they laughed at a funny part in their story time. Hearing their laughter fuels and fills my cup.
I remember hearing Dillon and Lia laugh for the first time as babies. I mean the real belly laugh. When you are not questioning whether that was really laughter, you know without a doubt that they are smiling and laughing at you. I wish I could hear that baby laugh again. I also wish I could hear your laugh, Dad. I remember shortly after you passed away I wondered if I would always remember what your laugh sounded like. As the years pass, the sound of it gets more and more faint. I am so glad that Michelle had a video where we can hear you laughing.
I love when the kids and I are sitting around the kitchen table. When we slow down after the crazy day and enjoy time spent with each other. When we share stories about our day and we laugh. When we laugh so hard we cry. When we plain just have fun together. In my opinion, those moments are some of the best. When the laughter from each of us is filling our cups. I hope we never forget to slow down and enjoy the laughter. I hope the kids never get too busy to remember to laugh with their mom. Thank you for the many years of laughter, Dad. Whether it was a story, your actions, or just your laugh causing others to laugh; many have told me that they miss your laugh, Dad. I hope the kids and I can lift up as many as you did with just your laughter.