10 years ago today, I almost lost my dad.
Almost.
And not a day has gone by, in those 10 years, that we weren't thankful for having him in our lives.
Every single day we were thankful.
We knew how lucky we were. And we still know it now.
We had 10 exrta years with him.
10 years of "borrowed time."
10 years that we never, ever took for granted.
10 years of hugs, love, laughter, holidays, soccer games, vacations, car shows, weddings and babies.
Although he may not be here with us today {and it hurts my heart so much to write that} I know that he is looking down on us and smiling. Because he never took those years for granted either. We all knew just how lucky we were to have each other.
And because of that, we had the best 10 years of our lives.
I so very much wish that we could have had 50 extra years with him. But 10 will have to do. And I am still so thankful for that.
If you haven't read my dad's amazing story of survival, please do. It's worth your time, I promise.
He is, and will always be, the strongest man I have ever known.
Dad, thank you so much for being strong enough to make it through the accident and for giving us that extra time with you. I will forever be grateful for having a father who was truly the best dad in the entire world.
My hero.
The memories created in these last 10 years will never be forgotten... you walking me down the aisle at my wedding, you being there {and SO NERVOUS} during the births of all three of my babies, you helping Bob and I fix up our house, you being the very first person I called when I had a problem with anything, you offering to coach Carter's soccer team and being there for every single one of his games. I feel so lucky to have had someone that I can lean on so much. You were always there when we needed you. Always.
I wish that I was taking you out to lunch today so that we could eat CFA nuggets and drink hand spun milkshakes until our bellies hurt. But, instead, the memories I hold so dear in my heart will have to be enough.
I love you so very much and miss you more than you will ever know.
7 comments:
I read the story of your dad every time you post it or mention it, (I even made my husband read it) because of just how amazing it was. Dad stories always hit me a little harder being that mine is somewhere doing Lord knows what. What an amazing man, is all I can say. And it is no nice to hear how grateful you are for him. He must be a very happy man smiling down on all his women :)
I am so thankful that I had a chance to meet not only your dad but your entire family! Being able to be there on the day both you and your sister welcomed your babies into the world showed me what kind of family you have. Amazing! Your dad was beaming that day! You could see the love of your entire family in his eyes! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to know him and experience the strength of your family!
Jenni,
I am so sorry for your loss but so glad that you were able to have extra time with him. My dad passed away when I was 18- what I would have given to spend an extra 10 years with my dad. Your post brought tears to my eyes. There is something so special about a bond between father and daughter.I am sure he's SO very proud of you and is watching down on you every day.
I'm so sorry for your loss Jenni. But it was so great that you had 10 more years with him. My grandfather was told he had 3 months to live (2 months after retirement). We luckily ended up with 10 years as well. He always pushed through everything so that he could be with his family -- so I understand how priceless those 10 years are. I'm so glad you had them and that your whole family got to meet him. Hang in there and know that he will always be watching over you and your entire family! <3
Wow, what an incredible story. I have to say, for someone who was so amazing here on earth he must be one heck of an angel looking down on you all!! Thinking of you!
Oh Jenni, you are an AMAZING person. I remember reading his story when I first came across your blog and I have read it several times since then. It is so inspiring and so glad you had those extra 10 years with him.
I just read your dad's story. Amazing. Glad you got those years with him, wish you had gotten more. I'm new to your blog, so I'm not sure if you posted about it, but did he pass from complications of his earlier accident? You seem so strong throughout all of this! I don't know how you do it.
Post a Comment