A Sad Christmas...

It feels like the year without a Santa Claus. Our lives have changed and Christmas will never be the same because the man who I measure all men up to has passed away. My dear daddy.... as I sit here in the dark in my childhood home typing on dad's laptop I am flooded with thoughts and memories. I realize there aren't words to express how much I love and care for this man. I'm not sure how my family and I are going to limp our way through the holiday season. We knew this day would come, but it still came too soon. My dad had a way of beating odds, he was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer over 10 years ago. He probably was given a year or two... he broke many of Mayo's predictions with his strong will and love for his family. But the Sunday after Thanksgiving things went downhill, fast. After a week in the hospital we brought dad home with the help of hospice. Mom, my sisters and I helped care for my dad around the clock. He never complained, not once. We all secretly hoped that he would beat the odds again, but, he lost his battle and peacefully died on December 18th. We celebrated his life yesterday at my sister's country church. Dad would have liked that. He also would have been pleased with the military honors at his grave site. He would have smiled knowing that two of his good friends were in the honor guard. I will miss having morning coffee with him doing the crossword. Who will I call for gardening advice? Fishing at the cabin will not be the same... holidays... birthdays... we are all very sad.... let me leave you with a few of my memories of my daddy...

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...