My Dad passed away 13 years ago today. He was diagnosed with A L L Leukemia. He was so young…only 35 years old. He checked into the hospital on April 10 (my little sisters birthday) and never returned home again. We lost him 18 days later. I will admit that it greatly concerns me as I get older because my Dad’s death was so sudden and unexpected. The biggest fear that I have in this life is the fear of being taken away from my children before my time. I was 18 when my Father passed but I had 2 younger siblings Alexis 6 and Sean 3 who unfortunately don’t have many memories of him. This thought terrifies me! I don’t let it consume me but I do think about it more often than I would like too.
On this day, I would like to remember my Dad and celebrate his life. My Dad was funny. He was as much a child as I was growing up. After all, he was only 17 when I was born. I recall him coming into my room at my Granny’s house in the mornings sporting one of her red wigs with a big smile across his face. He would drag me out of bed to come and watch cartoons with him. He was more of my buddy than my Dad because he wanted our time together to be fun. When I was 10 he moved away to Michigan and started a new life with his wife and children to come. I didn’t seem him as regularly as I would have liked to but I remember how excited I was when I knew that he was coming home for a visit! My Dad was always a kid at heart. He loved to fish and hunt and spend time outdoors. He was also a “pretty boy.” He spent a lot of time in front of the mirror…especially when he had his hair permed. Every curl had to be in the right spot. He had fantastic rhythm for a white boy. LOL! My Dad was a free spirit, fun and good looking! I remember my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Jenkins, having a crush on him. When she found out that he was moving away she said, “No more sweet dreams for me.” I will never forget that! He was also a Christian and this is why I have peace about his death because I know that I will see him again one day!
I miss my Dad more now than I ever have before and I think the reason for this is because I am married, have children of my own and a successful photography business and I just wish that he could share this time in my life with me. I desperately wish that he could have laid his eyes on my two boys. I would love to hear the words, “I’m so proud” coming from him. I know in my heart that he is proud of me but I simply wish that he was here to share this time in my life.
Dad, I love you and I wish that one more day was something that we could share…right now, on this day, at this moment and time in my life. I wish that you could see how my little guy looks like you and how my oldest one is so much like me…smart and loud! ;-) I love you always. Your baby girl.
What a beautiful tribute to your father.
Thinking about you today Dawn. I love what you wrote about wanting to hear “I’m so proud” brought tears to my eyes.
Though your Dad isn’t with you any longer, I’m sure he’s looking down on you in absolute amazment at how wonderful of a person and mother you have become!!
Aww Dawn. This is so beautiful. I know for a fact that he would be very proud of you! You are an amazing woman. Saying a little prayer for you. Love ya!
This is such a wonderful post. Your father would really be proud of you!!!
You have this way of making me tear up! I’m sure your Dad is proud of the woman you’ve become. Keep him in your heart knowing one day you will see him again. XOXO
I know your dad would be so proud to know what his little girl has become. For always and forever the love that you shared will live on!!! Thinking of you!
So sad to be taken at such a young age. He would be so proud of you Dawn.
Made my eyes well up at the beautiful tribute, I’m so sure your dad would be so proud of the amazing woman you are
Hey girl, this was awesome! I remember i use to spend the night with you at you dad’s and he was great! I also remember Mrs. Jenkins being goo goo over your dad, she was hilarious. Love Carey!
Dawn, i just read this for the first time and i am sorry for you loss but i just wanted to say that your life is a tribute to your dad…you are who you are because of him and all the other wonderful people you have shared your life with. You have such a strong family foundation and i admire your willingness to let us all in for a sneek peek..thank you
heather
ps im sorry i am such a bad speller! hope i didnt do too bad!
Dawn, I am sure your Dad is looking down on you and is proud of you and everything that you are. Beautifully written. **hugs**
What beautiful memories! I am sure your dad is looking down on you, and so proud of you.