Thinking about you

Dad,

How can it be that you have been gone for so long already? It will be three years in March. I miss you every day. I wish you were hear so that I could talk to you about life. Why were you taken from us so early?

-Bud

I hope you can see us now

Dad,

I often think about you sitting in the chair next to me eating peanut butter toast while I was finishing up my homework. This seemed to be our routine after a basketball game or track meet. You would sit in either your chair or mom's chair and crunch away at your toast while I would be trying to get through whatever the assignment was that night. I think about those times now when I am at my desk working, or writing on your blog. I envision you sitting in my visitors chair, with one leg folded over the other. You would have your chin resting on the palm of your hand while chewing off the end of your pinky fingernail. I think if I just turn around, I will see you sitting there awaiting to ask me about my day.

Well, just in case you have been busy, let me catch you up on some of the stuff that is happening. Dade just had his first birthday on Saturday. He is ready to just take off walking without the assistance of any toys. Yep, Nic and Kirk will not know what has hit them when little Dade is fully mobile! You better drop in and check him out. You will not help but smile when he smiles at you.

Mom is doing well. I she is looking forward to watching Ali and Zac at the end of this month. She went out and bought a wading pool for the kids to splash around in. I'm sure Nana will be wet by the time Ali and Zac are finished with her.

Danna and Kevin are doing well. There lives seem to be the most sane of each of us. When I talked to Danna this weekend, she was in good spirits. She is still very busy at Quest. If you drop in to check on Dade, swing on by Danna's place and check in on her as well. I know that she will enjoy having you close.

As for me, I am doing ok. I am getting better at my new role in Embarq. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new. My family is doing fine. Alexandria has finished kindergarten and is looking forward to first grade. Zac is full of energy and can't wait to play baseball when he grows up. On that note, I think he will be left handed!

Well, I should get this message posted and on its way up to you. I love you Dad.

-Andy

What a nice day

Hello Dad,

It has been a long time since I have written in your blog. I want you to know that mom is doing good. Jen, Ali, Zac and I drove up to the farm last weekend to visit. We stopped by the cemetery on Saturday to say hello. Alexandria told you all about her school and what she is learning. She is very smart, just like her Grandpa Scott.

I wanted you to know I was thinking about you and wish you were here to tell me that everything is going to be OK. I could really use some fatherly advice from time to time.

I love you,

-Andy

Thinking of you tonight Dad

Hello Dad,

I'm sitting here in my living room watching Boston vs. NY Yankees.

Baseball.

I loved to ride in your pick-up truck listening to the KC Royals play. The sounds of the ballgame over the AM radio are in most of my summer memories. Thank you for teaching me the game. Now that I am a dad, I can see how the game is passed down from one generation to another. Zac like the game. He hits left handed now. I now he is a long way from playing for the Royals, but he tries really hard!

Ok, I should probably close this for now.

Good night,

-Andy

Remembering Dad

Missing you Dad.






Love,

Andy

Memories of a Man

Hello all,

Tomorrow is Valentines Day -- I wish I could tell you of wonderful stories about how mom and dad would have lavish nights on the town, but I can't. I think when I was very young, Danna, Nic and I would be dropped off at Grandma and Grandpa Scott's house while Mom and Dad went out to eat, but I am not sure.

I know later when I was in my teens, Dad and Mom frequently dined in Shen at the Depot. I think they spent a few New Years Eve / Birthdays there, but I don't know if they ever went there for Valentines Day.

As I type this entry, I can't pull a memory of the Valentines Day, but Mom and Dad did not need Valentines Day to show their love for each other. It was there every time they parted. A quick three kisses and out the door Dad would go. Always with a smile and an "I love you". It was automatic. I think I would have stopped moving if Mom and Dad didn't kiss three times. It was embedded in their DNA. It was constant.

It says a lot about Mom and Dad to do something that is so consistent that I would remember this act so clearly. I am sure that if you would ask Danna or Nic, they could share their own stories about Mom and Dad's parting habit. I'll try to remember to ask them the next time we are all together.

One more thing before I close this entry. After Jennifer and I were married, somehow the three kiss routine was adopted for our marriage. Thanks Mom and Dad for being a great role model for my marriage.

-Andy

Missing you Dad

Dad,

I know that I talk to you every day, but maybe if I write this down you will be able to somehow let me know that you have heard me. I miss you. I feel you at times. I hear your voice from memories past. You were such a pillar in my life, at times I don't know if I can make it without hearing from you. Why did GOD have to take you from us all? Who is going to be there to help me deal with Ali's first date or Zac's first driving lesson? I had planned that person being you. I just don't know how that void can ever be filled.

I have been trying to cope with my loss dad. I try every day. I sometimes talk to you on my drive into work. I sure hope that you can hear me when I do. I pour my heart out to you. I ask for your advice a lot. You know, like I did all the time. It may be a work issue or just a hitch in my golf swing that isn't working right. You always listened so well and had a heartfelt response to my question of the day.

Your boy is doing the best he can right now. He wishes that he could hold you one more time and whisper in your ear how much he loves you. If only I had one more chance to say it over and over again. I would love that opportunity.

I'll see you in my dreams tonight Dad.

Your son,

-Andy