Has it really been five years?

Five years?  That just does not seem possible.

Five years since I last saw your face, kissed your cheek and felt the roughness of your beard against my skin.

Five years since I last heard your gruff voice say my name and "Love you too" whenever we parted.

Five years since I last saw those beautiful, piercing blue eyes and that amazing grin.

 It's that time of year again.  Hunting season.  The boys have been on the mountain.  I know that they miss having you with them.  I miss hearing the excitement in your voice and the enthusiasm that you had for this time of year.

I miss you.

But I know that you are watching over your family.  I know that you are out on the mountain with your boys as much as you can be.  I know that you are busy and happy.  I know that you miss me. And I know that you want me to be happy.

I am happy, Dad.  I just miss you and that is okay.

Because I know that missing you will not last forever.

I know that I will see you again someday and I will be able to place my arms around you and give you the mightiest hug ever.

And then?

Then we will, never, ever have to say goodbye again.