It has been a little over 3 years since my father passed away. Father's day, as a result has been a bit melancholy for me. With it once again approaching, I have decided to make a conscious effort to make it more about celebrating his legacy than being sad that he is not here physically anymore.

My dad was the butt of jokes in our family. He took that position well. He accepted the bantering with giggles and laughs. He knew though, he knew that it was out of love and a keen sense of knowing and understanding him- his good points and his bad- that we poked fun. I am much like my father - the good points and the bad points and now I am the butt of jokes amongst my children. He was my strength, and my rock. I am very strong minded and usually have many people that lean on me for support. He was like that as well. During the weak moments in my life, it was only him, that I thought could ground me enough to stand up to it. Now he is gone.......and I realize that he was just preparing me to stand on my own two feet the whole time.

My father left behind quite a legacy. He made sure to have a good, personal relationship with each of his grandchildren. They knew that pop-pop was there with the bone-crushing hugs and the hearty laugh. Through the ups and downs of rasiing 4 teenage girls, mostly on my own, my dad was there to pick up any pieces I couldn't.; never asking anything in return. He celebrated with pride at their graduations and cried along side during the hardships. One particular memory still sends shivers up my spine.......my second oldest was graduating. It was a hot, cloudy day with rain in the forecast. The graduating class exceeded 900. The walk to the field was far over rocky grass and hills.. My dad has very bad legs at the time. But he walked, and limped because all he wanted to do is hear his grand-daughters name being called out. It started to rain and he stood there until that name was called back. He then limped in much pain but never complaining back to the car. He had tears in his eyes, tears of joy. That was my dad in a nut shell - never looking at the pain only the joy.