One Year Ago today

Today it has been one year since my dad passed away. It seems like it has been a lot longer in some ways, and in others, like it was yesterday. I've been wondering all day how the rest of my family; siblings, mom, grandma, aunts, uncles...are feeling about the day or what they are thinking. Are they sad? at peace? Thinking about it too? I wish we all talked more about it. My Uncle Joe, my dad's brother is wonderful about sharing with me how he feels about missing my dad. I've appreciated that.

I've also contemplated how I feel today. It's a true statement that time heals all wounds, but it never seems to remove the missing for me. I miss dad. It doesn't hurt as badly now as it did, but I can still feel that emptiness; that void that is left without dad here. THe feeling that makes me stop and press my fist over my heart as a tear comes to my eye and I catch my breath as the thought "I miss you dad" enters my mind. I love that feeling though, as sad as it makes me, because it reminds me of how much I loved; love my dad, and that he means so much to me in my life.

One year ago today, ShaMayne my sister called me with the dreaded news, and many of us were drawn to my Grandma Pecks house. Maybe we were hopind his spirit would be there with Grandma, or maybe we just needed the strength that she has to offer, being the amazing woman she is. I'll never forget how my Uncle Dave took me in his arms and just let me cry without saying a word. Not only that, he cried along with me, and that meant a lot to me. To have someone share in my grief with me. He let me know it was okay to cry, to feel that pain. It comforted me greatly.

I'm thankful to have family, and to know that I will be able to be with my dad again someday. I will always miss him. What a great guy this earth lost.