Since you've been gone . . .

Dear Daddy,

Another Father's Day is on the horizon. I could praise you until my dying day, but thought I would let you know what a great father you still are by sharing a few things made possible because of the strength & lessons you have given me throughout my years.

Since you've been gone . . .
I have learned it's okay to start living life without you.
I have learned it's okay to smile and feel happiness without feeling guilt.
I have learned it's okay to look forward to the future.
I have learned it's okay to look back on the past.
I have learned in times of despair, it's better to say something than nothing at all.
I have learned to accept your passing.
I have learned to start healing.

Thank you for still teaching me at my young age of 42. Looks like I will always be the student. And that is perfectly fine by me.

I love you.

Your Little Girl Forever

The Things Kids Say

Check out the inside of Kalista's Father's Day card to David. It had him in tears laughing.

Definitely a keeper : )

My First Father's Day

Father's Day 

A day to honor and cherish THE special man who raised and loved me unconditionally.

This will be my first Father's Day . . . without my dad. Oh how I miss him so very much. Especially now. For the first time, I didn't mail out a card. For the first time, I won't be calling him on this Sunday morning. For the first time, I am going to watch my precious girls give their dad extra special love and I will feel sadness, envy, and joy all at once.

There will always be a first for everything. And although I will get through those firsts, sometimes unscathed and sometimes not, I will hate it each one until someday I just don't.

Dear Daddy,

We shared a lot of firsts together. Not quite a lifetime of firsts, but I would rather have those 41 years than none at all. Now it's time for me to go through those firsts all over again without you. Without you. Without you. Those words linger and haunt my soul with such heaviness. I still need you. If I could only hear you say, "Everything will be alright." 

Happy Father's Day to the most incredible father. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for always being my #1. 

Love,
Jennifer