Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. – Melody Beattie
He was my introduction to so many things in life, my first in so many ways.
He was my start line to events I never knew I wanted to experience, my cheerleader along the way, always waiting there with a smile as I crossed the finish line.
He was my gas pedal when I didn’t know I needed a push and my brakes when I was unaware it was time to slow down.
He loved a road trip – teaching me so much about life and himself on the open road during long talks I still treasure.
He taught me lessons I didn’t always learn the first go round, but left me with a knowledge I would find priceless one day.
He was my guiding light when I couldn’t see the darkness that threatened to surround me. A beacon of hope I still gravitate toward.
He was the first to hold me with strong arms that embraced me in such comfort and safety their presence still lingers on my skin.
He made me laugh when I took life too seriously, always reminding me to seek the joy in the pain.
He not only worked hard to provide the basic necessities for his family, but more importantly the sense that what we had was more than enough.
A few days of bare feet on warm sand was enough to carry him through the harshest of winters.
He loved with all his heart and made me want to love and live life as passionately as he did. Music made him come alive in a way that was contagious.
He gave me more than ten things of thankful. He gave me life and left a legacy of love I will always treasure.
A special tribute to my dad, my hero, my best friend.
It has been 21 years today since we said good-bye
and while I miss you every day,
I always take a moment on this day to honor you in a special way.
Thank you for being you and in turn making me the woman I am today.
Lizzi Rogers from Considerings does a weekly event called “Ten Things of Thankful” and for the first time I am participating. A bit late or a bit early, but participating nonetheless.
You are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful man for your father. Your tribute to him is just perfect.
Thank you Pattie. He was something special indeed!
Welcome to the TToT! So glad you joined us with this touching tribute to your father!
Thank you.
Such a beautiful tribute to your father.
Thanks! I’m sure not all TToT posts get so personal, but it definitely helped me get through a tough day.
Welcome to the TToT blog hop! This is an absolutely beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by. This one is special to me.
beautiful entry to the TToT. So glad you decided to do this…finding a constructive way to express grief is really tough but important…Im sure you know. Peace.
Thanks a bunch. It’s a tough day for me every year, but I’ve learned to do a little something to honor him and in turn it helps me with my grief.
What a lovely tribute and a great way to start TToT.
Thank you! It was definitely uplifting for me. I appreciate the visit!
A beautiful way to start your thankful list! Awesome tribute…and welcome, welcome to our little hop!
Thank you Michelle! Happy to participate!
What a beautiful tribute to your father. I am glad you are participating in this wonderful link up. The support and shared talent is incredible. Nice to meet you.
Thank you. It’s great to be a part of TToT. What an amazing community. I’m hoping to check out all of the last week’s posts and maybe get another out this week too. 🙂
Such a beautiful tribute to your incredible Dad. I’m so glad you shared it here with the TToT community so we can all remember not to take the parents and loved ones we have for granted – ever.
Thank you. I’m so glad to have remembered that Lizzi had started TToT. It was exactly what I needed!
What a hard hard post to write, Leah. You tribute your father beautifully. Truly. I’m so glad that you found Lizzi’s TToT. It helps me, too. I can’t get to it every week these days but I always feel good when I do. Also, I wish it was still BlogHer time. Miss you.
Thank you Kristi. I’m hoping to get another one written this week! Miss you!
What a heartfelt memory and tribute. Tjank you for sharing something so personal and positive.
Thank you. It helped me get through the day. Glad it touched you as well.
What a beautiful tribute to your dad ((hugs))
Thank you!
*hugs* Super, super hard post, my fishbowl friend, and you did yourself (and, dare I say it, your dad) proud – he sounds like an amazing guy, and a real force for good in your life.
We’ll be live on Friday afternoon and I’ll make sure to let you know. It will be an honour to include your wonderful tribute to him.
Thank you my fishbowl friend. It’s always a tough day. Through the years, I’ve tried to stay busy, I’ve tried doing nothing, I’ve tried being surrounded by people and begin alone. I’ve come to the realization that I just need to spend the day allowing my emotions to go where they need to and just get through the day.
Thank you for the idea. I’ve been wanting to participate for some time. I guess the right time finally arrived. It definitely helped me through the day. Hugs!
Then I am tremendously glad that it helped. And that you’ll link it. I’ll try to remember to ping you when we go live later.
Grief is such a tricky thing. I think you’ve got the right idea about just embracing whichever emotions happen, and accepting that they’re part of the process.