Dad,
It's been a year since we said goodbye.
A whole year.
Halloween without you there to exclaim over my kids' costumes.
Thanksgiving dinner with you missing from your chair at the table.
Christmas without you on the couch enjoying your family and grandkids all around you.
A Winter where it wasn't you laying the fire in the wood burning stove and keeping the living room toasty warm.
No trips down to "the shed" for visits while you rolled copper and listened to Johnny Cash.
Summer wasn't the same since you were missing from the rows of beans in the garden.
I missed you on the Fourth of July.

Oh how I miss you.

Yet at the same time you have been there. I have felt your presence and your love strongly.

And I think...

It's been a year where you have felt no pain.
Where you have been able to stand straight and tall and walk with your head held high.
It's been time you've been able to spend with your mom and dad and grandparents that are there with you. Give them my love.
I'm sure you've played with those great-grandchildren who have passed on as well as those who have joined our family this year.
As I am sure you are playing those who are getting ready to join our family.

Last night we enjoyed some chocolate cake and seven minute frosting as we gathered in your memory. That was always one of your favorite things. I miss you. I love you. And I'll see you again some day.

Until then keep watching over us. Okay?

Love,
Your Daughter