Difficult Anniversary

Twenty-one years ago today, my dad died.....he got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and suffered a massive heart attack.  Some years this anniversary is not so bad, but this morning was tough.  I woke up thinking about him, wishing with all my heart that I could speak with him, hug him, just see him one more time.

He would have adored Jordan, he would love knowing that the barn has been refurbished, and that we are working on the old farm house.  He would laugh to know that we have chickens, and he would love every one of our five dogs.  I think he would be so proud of me and the work that I do with soldiers.
He would want to go fly fishing with Rick ( and catch more than him).  He would be thrilled that I finally got off my rear and really do play guitar.  He loved the songs that we had written before he passed, he would love the new ones too.

I think it would truly sadden him, this division of our country.  He was a decorated war hero, but when he came home, he was a true soldier for peace and loving your fellow man.  He was blue collar, working class and smart as any college grad.  In a town of less than 2000, more than a 1000 came to his funeral......to this day, there are still people who  tell me how my dad helped them at some point in their lives.

He was a coal miner, and a plumber......both hard dirty jobs......but he took pride in his work.
I have his blue eyes, and I think his heart.  Being kind was his religion....and joy and laughter
was part of his daily bread.  I have cried many tears today, the grief has shook me hard and the sadness just won't leave.  This has been a difficult anniversary.