Nineteen years ago I lost my Dad. I have spent these years slowly knowing how much he means, how much he loved me, how much I loved him. If you still have your Dad, appreciate him, love him, spend time with him, tell him how grateful you are. If you know someone who doesn't have their Dad, see how you may be a blessing to them.
Today I listened to this song by the inimitable Michael Kelly Blanchard and the tears came. As Michael has it, "I miss you, Pops." I miss my Dad. And things are never the same. Others I can look up to, and do -- but none can take his place, or should. Others give guidance and wisdom and example, but none like my Dad. Others give inspiration, but his life and memory give insight and help when I am at a loss.
"Springtime flowers", as the song says, will indeed bloom and renew, but there are times the heart aches and Spring is too far away. But as Dad would tell me and the song says so well, "You're gonna make it through." Yes, I will, but I still miss you, Dad. Thank you for all you gave to me, easily overlooked at the time, but deeply treasured today. There are no words, except, "I love you."
