Dad

Dad,

Today you have been gone a year from our lives, but I know you are still around so I wanted to let you know what is going on with a quick update:

Michaela is growing like a weed, she is so quick witted and keeps us laughing.  You would really enjoy her, you would have already taught her how to give "the finger". She loves "Pop-Pop's cat" and she goes in your room and pets him every time we go over to the house.  Marina is still our "soccer star" and is now taking college classes.  We are so proud of her.  Tyler has his first job, at Publix.  He says it is because he wore a pair of your socks to the interview and they gave him good luck.  He loves getting his paycheck.  When he got his first one I thought of you and how you would always ask us, "where are you taking me to dinner", when we got money.  He also got his drivers license and Mom gave him that old white car to drive.  I am still hanging in there with school, I will be an RN some day.  David is up to the same old thing.  He helped replace your roof on the house and shed and fixed your sprinklers.

I know you have been around keeping an eye on things and I KNOW you were with us on our family vacation in GA.  Michaela sees you frequently in stores, at church and at the park.  I miss you so much and think of you often.  I wish you were here with us, but am so glad you are finally out of pain.  

I found this poem and thought of you:

The Angels gathered near your bed so very close to you.
For they knew the pain and suffering that you were going through.
I thought about so many things, as I held tightly to your hand.
Oh, how I wished that you were strong and happy once again.
But your eyes were looking homeward to that place beyond the sky.
Where Jesus held His outstretched arms, it was time to say goodbye.
I struggled with my selfish thoughts, for I wanted you to stay.
So we could walk and talk again, like we did - just yesterday.
But Jesus knew the answer, and I knew He loved you so.
So I gave to you life’s greatest gift, the gift of letting go.

Little Butterfly

Oh, Little Butterfly, Messenger of God,
When I see you in the sky, I cannot help but nod.
You bring me respite, in my time of grief and dispair,
Everytime I see you, Sailing through the air.
You renew my faith, In all God's wondrous plan, And I know it's all in faith,Not in what I understand.

Don't weep at my grave, for I am not there,
I've a date with a butterfly to dance in the air.
I'll be singing in the sunshine, wild and free
playing tag with the wind while I am waiting for thee.