Happy Birthday Daddy-O

When I first started this blog I wasn't sure how many personal things I would share other than day-to-day life and events. As this day approached I decided it would bring comfort to share this story. After all, it has had a huge impact on my life.

Today would have been my dad's 65th birthday. Happy Birthday Daddy! He's now my guardian angel and I am so thankful to have him still watching over me, but from a much better place.

There are so many milestones that take place in your life and of course I wanted my dad to be there for all of them. My wedding was a big milestone and I was thankful to have him walk me down the aisle. I am also thankful the hubs got a chance to meet him and for my dad to meet the man who would take care of me. I knew my dad approved and was happy the hubs was a good man. Shortly after our wedding my dad's health started to decline. At our 1st anniversary (in April 2011) he was proud to have made it that long, at his 61st birthday (late June) we were all surprised. In mid-October 2011 he lost his battle with cancer.

For 10 years I watched a man I idolized battle different types of cancer and I learned a lot. What I learned along the way (and am still learning)...  The cliche answer is "live life to the fullest" which is very true. I learned how strong my dad really was and how much of a fighter he was. Each weekend for about the last year of his life I would pack up Lexi and head to my parents' house to spend time with him. We had a lot of great conversations that I appreciate more now that he's gone. My 24 years worth of memories with him come back to me at random times. The sadness still comes and goes especially at big moments like purchasing my first house and graduating with my masters degree, but I understand grieving is part of the process. If I could give anyone advice about losing a parent at a young age it would be to embrace the memories. Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday Daddy!

Until next post...xoxo Becca