It's been a little over 8 months since Dad left us. It all happened so quickly. Knowing Dad, he would have wanted it that way.
The way he died, he wasn't alone and he went quickly. The funeral service, all his favorite songs were sung. Everyone there had something good to say or remembered something significant about him. Those he cared for the most came together to remember him. But, he had a greater purpose in mind. He wanted for his passing to be something to bring people together. He wanted his family to come together and we did. He couldn't have planned it better than it worked out.
In the time since he passed, we've all had to cope with his absence. We've had to deal with him not being there for a birthday or that special holiday. He couldn't be there for that special event or activity that he often took part in. And we've missed him the whole time. I suppose we'll never get over that. For my part, I hope I don't.
Tomorrow is Dad's birthday and to commemorate, my siblings and I will meet at the Carter Cemetery, south of Canton, where most of our family is buried, to see his head and foot stones. They were placed on his grave about a month ago. It's sad that we will be doing this on his birthday. But, this is all we have left and it is fitting to do so. I'm sure we'll laugh and tell stories as we take the opportunity to remember the man he was. I think Bruce Springsteen's Terry's Song describes my dad better than anything "...when they built you, brother, they broke the mold." Yep, that's right.
So happy birthday, Dad. I miss you more than I ever thought I could. If anything has happened to me over the past 8 months, I've come to believe in God and in Heaven in ways that I never have before. Your birthday is a reminder of the hope I have in the resurrection, that I will see you and other loved ones again one day. I may be sad tomorrow, but I will always have hope. It's the same hope you had. Thanks for blazing the trail and pointing the way. We can't be that far behind...
