Sunday we celebrated our fourth Father’s Day without you Dad. Some days I cannot believe you have been gone that long and other days it seems longer. Longer since I have heard your voice on my answering machine, or longer since you have hidden in the closet by the back door to jump out at the kids when we came for a visit. JJ, the kids, and I headed to the cemetery after church on Sunday. The kids actually sat on the headstone (hope you didn’t mind) and we went around our little circle (taking turns) thanking you for all you brought us. Thanking you for the big and the small things. Sharing memories and expressing our gratitude to you. My heart was full and I think you enjoyed it as well. I think it is important for the kids to share and hear memories of you. This helps them to keep your memory strong. So my advice for those who haven’t lost a loved one is first to save notes. Save notes from your loved one; whether it’s a note in a card, a letter, or a note written on scratch paper. It does mean something to just see their handwriting. Journal about experiences you have with your loved ones. You never know what those words will mean to you until you cannot have a real conversation with the loved one about the experience. Save voicemail messages. When you cannot hear their voice or laugh anymore those voicemail messages will lift you up. Don’t take for granted that you can visit your loved one(s) or even call them. You can never get back that time. Lastly, never ever leave them upset. Love them for their strengths and weaknesses. Thanks for letting us hang out with you Dad. Love you!
