It’s been almost 2 years since I lost my dad. Strange how at times it feels like it’s only been months, other times it feels like forever ago.

The pain has dulled, not nearly as piercing and seemingly all consuming as it was in the first few months after he took his life. I miss him, I will always miss him. I miss him most when all I want to do is call him, to hear his voice, when something silly like his favorite song comes on the radio or when I smell BBQ’d chicken, or when I conquer a task typically done by men. I still use his tools, I see his face in the pictures, I wear his hats and occasionally hear his voice in my dreams.

I see him so often in my husband; the way he works so hard for his family and takes joy in simple things. I am so blessed to have been raised by a man that set the bar high for how a man should act, should care and should do what’s right.

He left us in such a terrible and shocking way, but while he was here, he impacted each life that he was a part of and we are all better for it.

I love and miss you, thank you for being my dad!