The Colorado sun shines 300 days per year. It’s only gloomy about 1/6 of the time. Same goes for me.
It’s been nearly 16 years since my dad took his last breath and left this place. It feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago at the same time. I miss him in every moment of every day, but most days, I don’t feel sad. Most days, I’m just thankful for the 11 years we had together. I wouldn’t trade those 11 years for 80 with any other dad. Most days, I’m just proud of the people my mom and sister have become since he left. He’d be proud of them, too. There are days when the sorrow is overwhelming, but they are few. I can always count on the sun to come out tomorrow.
I’m not so sure time heals us as they say, referring to the ever elusive they of course, but time does heal our perspective. I think so, anyway. The wounds are still there, but we learn to be okay again, just a different okay than we were before. 16 years have passed. It’s bittersweet.
Here’s a strange parallel. Rob and I will have our first child soon. One of my parents died when their first child was only 11. Our time with our loved ones is precious and unpredictable, too much so to do anything but treasure every moment. That really is the best way to live after all.
Happy birthday to my sweet daddio this weekend! If I ever figure out how to upload a file bigger than 2MB on here, I will share the awesome tribute slideshow a talented friend put together for my wedding.