Every day...

I miss my dad. 

Yesterday, August 10th, was my dad's birthday. He would be 57.

My dad was diagnosed 13 years ago with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) aka the Lou Gehrig's Disease. See here for more details. He lived with this disease for 5-1/2 years. He passed away shortly after I graduated high school in 2001.

As I look back on those years, I sometimes feel regret. Regret that I didn't try harder to be more helpful, more understanding and selfless. As a teenager, I obviously didn't know the things I know now. So, I try not to let my thoughts fill with regret. This past week I reminisced about good times, times I remember as a child. I love to be around my dad's sisters, as they remind me of him or tell me stories about him in his youth. 

I know most girls think highly of their fathers. I cannot express how much I respect the man my dad was. He was such an example to me. I try very hard to possess the great qualities that he carried. He was a generous, loving, hard working, and funny man. My dad could always make us smile. I have 3 sisters - my dad never got a boy. He let us play with his hair, scrunchies, clips and all. He taught us how to do so many responsible things - chores we considered "boy chores." Such as, mow and edge the lawn, wash the cars (inside and out), take out the trash, paint the garage and so on. He also taught us how to throw a ball (not like a girl) and swing a golf club properly. My dad loved us more than anything, I know that for sure.

I miss him all the time. In good times (my wedding) and bad times. During the bad times, I wish he were here to comfort me and offer fatherly advice. The thing that eases my heartache is that I know without a doubt I will see him again. I strongly believe in the power of eternal families. I know that he is waiting for us to return to heaven to be with him. This brings me comfort. 

Happy Birthday Dad.

I love you.