Difficult Anniversaries and Beloved Birthdays

I love this photo of my Dad and his five brothers. Dad's the one in the middle. He later gained another brother when his family adopted a childhood friend.

This past weekend was the one-year anniversary of interring my father's remains in the family plot on the east coast. It's a difficult anniversary to acknowledge. I miss my Dad.

Autumn was a lovely time to officially say goodbye. My Dad loved autumn. He loved the crisp cool mornings and warm afternoons. He loved the colorful leaves. He loved deer hunting, although it became more about being in the woods than bagging a deer. He didn't like all the get-ready-for-winter stuff like putting up the storm windows, but he didn't complain much.

My Dad was not a complainer. Even at the end of his life when he was very ill, he never complained. Dad just didn't want to burden anyone. And Dad was tough. He was the proverbial don't-sweat-the-small-stuff kind of guy. He also didn't sweat the big stuff much, either. He just dealt with life and moved on.

I miss you, Dad. I miss your wisdom. I miss your love. I miss knowing you were always there for me no matter what.

I love you, Dad. You were and always will be my hero.

I'm am posting this on your first birthday in heaven. Happy Birthday, Dad.