Today is an anniversary. Not a happy anniversary. A sad one, actually. It has been twelve years since my dad passed away. Twelve years since I held my dad's hand as he took his final breathe on Earth. How TWELVE years have gone by already is just beyond my comprehension!
Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. Not a day goes by that I don't miss him and wish he could meet my husband and kids. I miss his laugh, his kindness and his bear hugs.
His death still causes pain in my heart. I still don't 'understand' why he was taken away from this Earth at such a young age, away from his family and friends that loved him SO much. But 'time' itself has helped heal my soul. I know that he is in heaven. He was meant for heaven! And when I die I know he'll be waiting there for me with a huge smile :)
I remember the great times we had. The support he gave. The hard work he did. The kindness he bestowed upon every person he came in contact with.
And now a few photos to share! Some pretty amazing 70s, 80s and 90s ones! I can't look at these and not smile :) Photos are such a wonderful thing to have...which is why I take so many NOW.
I snapped these with my iPhone straight from my mom's photos albums (the kind of albums with the clear film that holds the photos onto the page) and from some photo collages my mom still has from his funeral (which are behind glass) -- so please excuse the glare & grainy quality of some of these.
My dad's Senior photo.
Is it just me, or did people look WAY older than their age back then?
Check out those pork chops lol! (aka sideburns)
My mom and dad on their wedding day in 1973.
They were high school sweet hearts.
They were even homecoming King & Queen :)
"Up north," sometime in the 70s.
My dad LOVED to dance.
My dad, holding me right after I was born.
I guess they made the dads wear gowns in the hospital back then too??
Three kids. I wonder why he looks so tired?
Nate - this photo reminds me of you!
A good 'ol family trip to Wisconsin Dells. In the 80s....
Nate's shorts are hilarious.
Jason, are you even wearing shorts?
I wonder what he's thinking in this photo?
I also wonder why he wore that shirt.
My dad and I up at our cabin. Mid 90's.
Okay...so I just saw this photo yesterday at my mom's house and my immediate thought was "holy cow, that totally looks like my dad is holding Chloe!" But it's really my sweet niece Caroline when she was around 1-year old. Check out the comparison of Caroline/Chloe:
I could add so many more photos! But I have to stop somewhere. So I'll add some more next year :)
I miss you dad!
Love,
Erin
