Twenty years ago…

Today, twenty years ago, my life changed forever. It was a day of good bye to someone who I thought I would have in my life for many many more years than I did. This person was my daddy and even though it has been twenty years, I still miss him all the time.

He was one half of the duo who gave me life, and raised me to be the lady I am today. He taught me values, ethics, and all that good stuff a parent is supposed to teach their children. I remember once being upset about something (I don’t remember what) but I said to him that I was embarrassed at how I handled the situation. He told me to learn from this, to always live life so you never have to look back and be embarrassed by your actions. At the moment, I probably didn’t take a lot of comfort in that comment, but looking back now, I think “what wisdom”.

Family was everything to him. All his family, as well as Mom’s family. There was no difference in his eyes.

Daddy was a hard worker. I have no memories of him ever not taking care of his family. He was always employed, worked long hours, worked on our cars to keep them in top running shape, kept the yard mowed, landscaped, etc. He always took pride in what ever he did. Many a time when we would be leaving on vacation, he would have to mow the yard first then a quick shower and hit the road. It never ever occurred to him to let the yard go just this once. He wasn’t obsessed with yard work, just pride in the appearance of his home.

Later when I had my own home he worked so much helping me with my own home. He was such a devoted Papa to his grandson. You would have thought no one else in the world had a grandson except him. Daddy, you never saw them on this earth, but you have three other grandkids after you were gone. I know you see them from heaven, and someday I know we will have a great reunion.

Memories I will never forget have to include Sat. nights “Dominoes and Donuts.” Daddy would bring home a box of donuts and have family over for dominoes. I learned to play as a youngster watching them and other family play and the fun and fellowship time together is something we continue as often as we can. (But we had to give up the donuts daddy, too fattening!) I know as sure as sure can be that daddy and uncle Don, and uncle Bobby, along with uncle O and Jack have regular domino nights. How I would love to stand and watch the legends of the game playing together like old times.

I could go on and on with special memories, and I try to keep his memory alive for Brandon who really doesn’t remember his Papa. But no one loved him more and I want him to always know that. So Daddy, I miss you, love you, and if God leaves me here twenty more years without you, I will be ok, and that will make our reunion day all the sweeter.  Hugs and Kisses!

Debbie