A Year Gone By

Sometimes the best of intentions don't quite work out the way we want them to. I was reflecting yesterday about my Dad's funeral.  It was a year ago yesterday. An ENTIRE year ago already has passed. It is so hard to believe. I remember when I wrote this that I had every intention, as I mentioned, to share more pictures and stories.  I never got around to it.  I don't think I could bear it. Now it's been a full year. I've gone through one of everything. I've gone through his birthday (March 4th) without him,  Father's Day without him and all of those other special days that we would enjoy spending together. I have so many wonderful memories with him. I still think of him everyday, but I feel like the smiles come with those thoughts more often now than the tears do. But the tears still come, and I'm sure they always will.

For now, I'll share these photos with you. My friend Bobbi, captured the whole day for me in photos. It may have seemed strange to others who were there that I'd asked someone to walk around and take photos, but looking back now I am SO glad she did this for me. These are invaluable to me and my family.  Thank you Bobbi, from the bottom of my heart! 

 It was nice to see so many people come to honor my Dad.

 Military Honors

The presenting of the flag to my Mom was beautiful. Such meaningful words.

 My brother gave a perfect eulogy. He couldn't have said anything better than what he said. I LOVE this picture that Bobbi took. I know in my heart that my Dad was indeed looking over my brother's shoulder and smiling. 

 My parents' beautiful grandchildren - all 6 of them.

 The bagpiper played "Danny Boy" my Dad's favorite, and "Amazing Grace" - it was perfect. 

I'll explain the orange another time.

 After the service, it was time for a celebration of my Dad's life at our home. We had a house full of wonderful family and friends.  It was a beautiful afternoon. Dad would have loved it.