Missing My Dad

This time of year is always the hardest to deal with....I miss my Dad so much this time of year, it just hurts and some days, its almost unbearable. He loved the fall season, all the promise of the holidays and time shared with family and friends. He was contageious.

It's always been my favorite time of the year, and I owe that in part to my Dad. Baseball playoffs, football games, Thanksgiving and the Christmas season. My Dad embraced this time of year like you would a favorite blanket. It warmed him to share it with others...and he loved giving gifts.

I can't think of a time when my Dad wasn't glued to the TV literally ALL weekend watching football. He loved college football, and of course his Washington Redskins. He'd get up, tune into all the pre-grames, and be there all day. I know he was an avid sports fanatic, but I think in so many ways, he wished for the days when HE could have gone on to play college football....be the first 5'6'' running back or wide-receiver. His love of sports carried over into my life, and I think made me the lover of sports I am.

Thanksgiving was the best day for football, that and New Year's. But I don't think he ever had a "bad" sports day. There was always something to watch...bowling....golf....he didn't care. He watched it. Drove everyone nuts.

It's hard to prepare Thanksgiving dinner without missing my Dad so much. He LOVED Thanksgiving.....the food, the family, AND the sports.

I still find my eyes stinging with tears at the thought that another holiday season is coming and my Dad isn't here. He had so many good years ahead of him before the cancer took his life. He loved life, and shared it with everyone. He didn't sulk or complain. While he had this side of him that controlled his world (and the remote), he also knew how to let go, laugh and enjoy life. I learned this from him, and I think my excitement over things and the way I view the world comes from learning it from him.

I saw Christmas decorations at the store the other day....and a pang of heartache hit me. No Dad. He didn't want presents, but he went all out for the rest of us. I think that's why giving him gifts meant so much to us. I miss him.

So as we move into the holiday season, I just wanted to give a shout-out to my Dad....I miss you every day.....but I live as a tribute to you and all you stood for....and the lives you enhanced....

I love you Dad....HUGS!!