Thoughts about my pop always seem to come to me more often in June. Maybe it's because June is his birthday month, maybe it's because Father's day is in June. It's time I write down some thoughts about him.
My Dad.... Funny, light hearted, a hard worker, and extremely aware of life around him. I've enjoyed many moments simply sitting at the kitchen table and talking about life, what to do, how to be a good person, how to handle challenges, should I care, should I not. After my teenage years were over I cherished these conversations... during my teenage years I translated them into lectures... before my teenage years I wasn't ready for deep conversations like these. Now that I'm turning 33 I wish I could walk into the kitchen pull up a chair and talk about life. So much has gone on since he passed away. I'm talking major shifts in my marital status, major shifts in my career, major shifts in me being a mother. Funny thing, I don't really feel like he's missed out on these things in my life, because I know he checks in on me.
There are so many aspects about my Dad to be proud of that to list them all I fear I would miss something. I will simply say he was a kind man, who taught me to drive a truck with the windows rolled down and rock & roll blasting through the speakers. Enjoy every moment you have in life, enjoy every person you meet in life. He taught me how important it was to make a person smile. He taught me to make sure I contribute to society and help those who need it. He taught me to not take life for granted because he knew he wouldn't be around long enough. Diabetes was a battle that he fought his entire life. Every time he was approached with a health challenge he took it straight on. He was strong and kept a smile on his face all the way through. My mom was strong- and did it together.
At age 55 my Dad had lived out his life the best way he knew how. He was surrounded by people who loved and appreciated him. He was ready for the next big adventure. I miss him terribly. I want to hear him laugh and see him mess up my sons hair with a smirk on his face.
Love Always Pops! Your little strawberry lips :)
