Dear Dad...

{Dad }

I am not the most eloquent writer and I usually express my thoughts through pictures rather than words but I wanted to write something for my dad. January 5th 2009 was the day he passed away. It has been two years and I am still wondering where the time has gone? I was at my first day of hair school when I got the call from my brother Bryan. I can still remember every detail about that day. It was almost like I was frozen in time. Of course I didn't believe it at first. I knew it wasn't a cruel joke but I thought someone made a mistake. I kept waiting for someone to call back me and say he was okay. The drive to the airport was the longest drive off my life. There was a snow storm and the traffic was at a dead stop. My cousin Candace was the one driving. I was so grateful she was there. We made the flight to go back home. We got to the mortuary just in time so I could see my dad. They were delaying the time so I could see him before they had to take him away. I gave him one last hug and a kiss one the cheek and said goodbye. 

Its still so hard to believe that he is gone. When someone is that important in your life its very difficult to surrender your thoughts and tell yourself that it was a part of the plan. I do truly believe that i will see him again, I have no doubt in my mind but that didn't take away the pain of him being gone. I know it has been two years so it would seem to be less painful but sadly it was getting harder. I think for the first year we were kind of going through the motions not really understanding what had happened. Then slowly we realized this was a permanent change for this life time. 

For the longest time it was hard for me to remember the good memories with my dad and I would dwell on the things I should have done better when he was here. But through a lot of prayers and a testimony that was being strengthened I knew that my dad would only want me to be happy. He loved me so much and that was what he wanted me to remember. He was only in my life for 18 short years but he left me with memories that will last a life time. 

 I will always remember the things he taught me. He was one of the most selfless people I have ever meet. He always lead by his example and always taught with love. I am so blessed that I have a dad that was always there for me and cared for me. He really showed me the importance of family. There was never a time where my family was second in his life. He was very busy but he never complained. He always walked around with his head held high and a big smile on his face. He had a way of making any one feel better, his presence had a way of calming things down.

In every trial there will be blessings to come. Although I want him to still be here, I have learned so much in these past two years and I have had so many great blessings.

I met my husband, my best friend, the person who I love more than anything, Greg.

A family, through the darkest times, kept looking forward towards the light

Married into a family that has been so loving and welcoming

and a father in law that would do anything for me

having friends that live far away but always feel close

a heavenly father that knows and loves me

living in a time were the Gospel is so strong

continually learning and strengthening my testimony 

These are a few of the things that I am grateful for. There will be more trials to come but I know I can overcome anything if I have faith in the Lord and in His plan. Thank you to everyone that has helped me in my life.