Onceuponcatime...

It's Thursday!

This morning as I was driving it occurred to me that yesterday was the anniversary of the day my dad passed away. I thought back to the day we lost him and I recalled exactly where I was when I spoke to him the last time. I was at my friend, Lisa's house for a skating party. I was with Dad the previous weekend and unfortunately, I couldn't be there that Sunday. My siblings put the phone to his ear when I told him my last goodbyes and told him how much I loved him. I remember thinking how I wanted to make sure I told him everything so I wouldn't have any regrets. I don't have a clue how I hung up the phone that afternoon.

Lisa and I had a real good heart to heart yesterday and I hadn't even realized the date. It wasn't until this morning as I reflected on our sweet conversation. I'm calling it a "God-wink." Lisa helped me feel better about my current concerns and for that I couldn't be more grateful. Our relationship is one that is divine to say the least. I could write about it, but I wrote about it years ago. Plus, this post isn't about Lisa or me; it's about my dad.

First of all, satan would love for guilt to set in. How could I have forgotten? How could I have forgotten Dad? For a second I thought about how difficult it is to remember birthdays let alone 2nd birthdays when loved-ones passed away. There are too many! When you are from a big family it's almost impossible to remember.

It is not a coincidence that just yesterday, I picked up the book, Onceuponcatime (I can't remember why the title was spelled that way). It's a book our family put together back in 2000. For Christmas that year all of our family contributed their story about anything they wanted to share. It's very cool. I decided I'm going to take it to the cottage so I can read it out there. Earlier yesterday morning I was thinking about the blog books I had written and printed. I wondered if anyone would ever care to pick them up when I'm long gone. I was reminded about my dad's portion of our family's book and how I never took the time to read his part. Honestly, I still haven't read it. I could be totally wrong, but from my recollection he used run on sentences with little punctuation so much that I had a difficult time reading it without editing it in my mind. I didn't have the patience. Now I feel terrible, so please don't judge me. As I was flipping through the pages I read my sister-in-law, Stacey's part where she explained in detail about how she met and fell in love with my brother, Chris. It was very sweet. I also read my son's part where he said all he wanted in life was to be a professional golfer and have a family. Meghan's was adorable as well! I'm anxious to read the book from cover to cover. It will be a gift all these years later! I'm so grateful for everyone who went all out and took a lot of time to write! I'm going to beg everyone to add Part II to the book for Christmas next year. It's early, guys so start now!! :)

Onceuponcatime...

I had the greatest dad who ever lived; he was the most patient man I know; he was quiet and said few words; when he spoke though, people listened; he chose his words wisely; he rarely got angry; he was kind and generous; he laid down his life for his wife and his children; he taught me common sense; he could fix anything; he had a great sense of direction; he worked two jobs to provide for us; he loved my mom (even when she seemed unlovable) and taught me the true meaning of commitment and "til death do us part;" he never complained; he wasn't demanding or selfish; he was beautiful; he had so many good qualities and I will never forget him for as long as I live and I am so grateful God gave him to me! How is that for a run on sentence?!

I love you, Dad (Papa) and I'm glad I know exactly where you are today!




Annie