The things your missing..

Dear Dad,

Sadly while you were still here, Max started Junior Kindergarten... He was so excited to come and tell you all about it after his first day!! It was pretty sad that you weren't there to see it yourself, as I know you made a point to be at the school before for "first days".. That's just the kind of Grandpa you were.. Nothing was more important than being there for that milestone.  He had a really tough time when you died, but had great support from his teacher helping him talk through the emotions he had.  That's a tough thing for a 5 year old to go through... He has missed out on so much with you.. The fun summer trips you took your grandsons on to see different sites was something Max never got to be apart of.. I know all your grandsons are missing those days.
He no longer has his Papa... I wish so much he had more time with you, I wish he could have grown up to see just how much love you had to give to him.  He just finished spring hockey, he has come such a long way! Even though you never got to see him play, I'm sure you don't miss a game.. I remember coming to the hospital and complaining to you about how Max would lay on the ice and cry.. I was so frustrated, and you laughed!! You told me how Danny used to do the same thing, and I should just let him cry!! So I did.. I let him lay on the ice, and I took him back each week to watch him lay on the ice again, and finally one week, he didn't lay there.. He got up and skated, and started enjoying hockey, and he got better each week
He actually likes it now, so I guess you were right.. Thanks Dad, for not letting me give up on him.
You should see him play ball!! (He gets it from me!! ) He tries so hard.. It's very cute! He is such an impressionable young man, and he has a great sense of humor!! But he also has an attitude the size of Tavistock... Yes, Dad.. I do know where he got that from! He has your short little legs and gets told all the time how much he reminds people of you!  He gets the biggest smile when he hears that.. He asks SO many questions about death now.. Why did you die? What did you die from? Will he die? Where did you go? Why do you have to bowl so loud? (He doesn't like the thunder!) I do my best to explain to him what happened but it's not easy explaining that to a 7 year old.  He does very well trying to understand, but I can tell he is still confused.  He asks all the time to go to your grave, I tell him he doesn't have to go there to talk to you but I think he needs that association.   I will keep reminding him skate hard, and to run faster, and always assure him that you are at every game.. Just don't let me down Dad! Make sure you are at every game!

When I found out I was expecting Charlee, there was never a doubt.. Something just told me that either way this baby was going to be named after you! When she was born, the connection was immediate.. She latched onto you and there was no letting go.  It was just before her 2nd birthday when you died, and to be honest most 2 year olds would be too young to realize what was happening, but she talked about you and some days I think she even talks to you.. It is evident that your strong bond continues even with you gone.
She has just finished Junior Kindergarten.. Her first year of school, another milestone your not here to see.  It was a tough day for me to go through, putting her on that big school bus for the first time and wishing so badly that you were standing right beside me waving goodbye to her.. In my heart I know that day as the bus toted her off for the very first time, there was a moment when you did stand beside me.  Maybe you wiped my tears as I watched my baby girl who had grown up so fast in just a minute climb the stairs to the bus all by herself, or maybe you held my hand while I cried once I went back to the house, empty of children, where I sat and wondered where the time was going.  I'm sure you wouldn't miss that moment, but the overwhelming need to have you here in more than a spirit form takes over me somedays..
Like today, Charlee's last day of school, again I'm left wondering where a year has gone, another year without you.. It scares me to think that this much time has passed since I heard your voice, or seen you smile, got a hug from you, or heard you say I Love you to me.  Those moments that for 30 years I took for granted... Knowing, or expecting I would hear, see or feel you today, tomorrow and the next... Gone for a lifetime now.
She is a firecracker dad!! You would laugh if you heard the things that come out of her!! I swear she's part daredevil.. Nothing scares her.. I love that she still talks about you and asks about you.. I promise I will never let your memory fade.
I have a video saved on my phone from a birthday party a few years ago, and even though you do not appear on the video, I hear your voice.. Every once in awhile I watch that video just to hear your laughter fill the room.  That was a powerful laugh, and your devilish smile that went with it.. Oh dad.. The things I miss about you..
Your missing More though.. I know that, each day that passes you have to watch without being noticed, without being recognized.. Your missing out on hugs and kisses, but you hear our prayers.
Don't be afraid to hug and kiss us in our sleep, that's what I tell the kids you do, so make sure you do it!
I know you know what your missing.  I don't need to tell you that.

Keep watching us, keep directing us, keep over us, Pray for us, and Love us unconditionally..
As we do you.

Love you Dad

My Angel are you~

                         A Fathers Day Poem I wrote for my dad, who is still on my mind constantly..

Missing your voice, and missing your smile

Thinking of you more than just once in awhile

My sad days get further and further apart

The ache gets more subtle deep down in my heart

Life has gone on, the grief process traveled

at moments my life seemed to be unraveled

Tears still come at times without warning

I smile through it though it’s a sign of mourning

It is hard to find the words to convey

The feelings inside me as I think of fathers day

A true friend at nature, A role model too

From the day I was born my love for you grew

Sacred is the bond between a daughter and her dad

The everlasting connection we will forever have

Your time was too short here, our story not through

I still feel you with me

My angel are you.