Day of Days

Hello all,

Someone I respect greatly told me if I can make it through the hardest day of my life, than I have survived my Day of Days. Through the past 365 days I have worked toward this day. Today is the one year anniversary of my father's passing. When I woke up today, I thought that I was ready for the day. I had prayed. I thought I had prepared for the day.

Little did I know.

I stopped to get my haircut before leaving for Iowa. On my way out of Fantastic Sam's, I noticed my passenger side front tire was low. I took it across the street to Randy Reed to have it fixed. I didn't leave town until after 10:00. I was hoping to be in Iowa by 11:00. Now I am not going to be there until almost 1:00. It was not looking like a good day.

I arrived at mom's house at 12:45 and Danna, Nic, Mom and I were on our way to Malvern for lunch by 1:00. After a quick bite to eat and a quick visit to the Wild Flower floral store, it was time to go to the cemetery.

As Danna turned the corner, I recalled last year. It was windy and cold like today. It was quiet today. We were the only ones there now. Just the four of us with Dad. Danna read a nice poem. We each said a word or two about Dad. Tears and hugs where shared. It was soon time to get into the car. Before I left I had to say one more thing to Dad. I laid down next to him and said to him that I missed him very much and I think about him always. After a few seconds, I returned to the car and moved on with the day.

The afternoon was filled with a trip to the High-school for mom and a visit to Tabor Manor to see Aunt Dorthy and Grandma Scott. Grandma was not feeling well today, but that is to be expected. Dorthy was in a great mood and looks very good.

Soon we were all sitting in the living room. We had watched Walk The Line and it would soon be time to travel home. Before we left, mom gave each of us something of Dad's to have. Danna was given a Northwest Missouri State sweatshirt. Nic was given a Nebraska Sweatshirt and I was given a Chief's sweatshirt. Mom asked me if I would like any of Dad's sweaters and I graciously accepted the gift. I also volunteered to have any of Dad's ties. Dad taught me to tie my first knot in the living mirror that hung in our living room. I think of that lesson every time I put on a shirt and tie.

The drive home was long. It had truly been a Day of Days. I was tired. I felt as if I had not slept for days. The miles passed and memories kept me company as I drove with the radio turned off. The vintage footage playing in my head kept me company as I passed the time.

Dad, thank you for riding with me last night. I enjoyed your company. I hope that HEAVEN is as great as I envision it to be. You are missed on Earth, but I know that you are in a better place today and forever.

Dad, please keep watching over me and my family. I'm sure that you have seen how crazy my kids can be at times so I could use all the help I can get.

I should close this message and get to bed. I'm sure that Jen is waiting on me.

Love you Dad!

-Andy