Remembering the Little Things

Wow. I cannot believe that a year has gone by since you passed away. It feels so fresh, but it also feels like a million years ago that we sat with you as we said our final goodbyes. I know you were in pain, and it was battle right to the very end, but this pain left in your wake is quite real and constant. Ultimately, it’s because you were loved so much by many, and you deserve to be remembered…with smiles on our faces and tears streaming down. Which truly speaks volumes to the kind of impact you had on the people in your orbit…near and far.

But on this day, 365 days since I saw the twinkle in your eyes and heard the deep throated chuckle that you always produced, I’m not wanting to think of those last 4 weeks with you. I mean, let’s be honest, it’s always on my mind. Today though, I’m going to speak of you…often… with anyone that will listen and talk about all those little things that I, that we all, miss. Because that’s what made up the amazing whole that you were. So here we go…your laugh. The laugh that was usually heard first after you made a joke, and as Scooter would say, “inappropriate or not”. The little championship belt dance that you would do as you rose from the dining room table any time you were victorious at ANY game whatsoever…whether independently or with a partner. Your passion for telling stories about history and old movies like you were presenting the world with a handful of never-before-seen secrets. Your big heart, that you showed to all of your friends and family. The man that defended his wife in a parking lot in your 60’s (I believe) after someone almost hit Mom with their car…by punching some guy and giving him some choice words…and then drove yourself to the police station to report yourself lol. I mean…who does that?!?! You! How enthralled you were looking at the big screen when you would join Dale and I at the movies…preferably action movies for you or something spy or conspiracy related. Your love for music, “Oldies” obviously. How you would quiz Scooter and I on every road trip about who was singing the song on the radio and what was the name of the song. And you loved to sing along to some Dion, Buddy, Patsy and Roy. In addition, any time you passed a piano you loved to sit down and play some boogie music that you knew by heart. I could do this all day…listing everything. Every basketball game in the driveway, every trip to Cedar Point, every holiday gathering where you were there and making it better. And those cut off jean shorts aka your bathing suit that would be promoted when you felt they did their part for long enough as pants smh. I even smile as I remember you writing “Dust Me” with your finger on my television screen when I still lived at home.

And although I’m crying as I type out what seems like just words…this was the first 40 years of my life. It’s a sum of all the parts that made you the person that left such a mark…in my world and in your whole family’s world. You were the first boy to steal my heart, my favorite person, the love of Mom’s life, Scooter’s pool partner in crime and role model. Those 40 years weren’t close to being enough for me with you, but I am so thankful…so indebted that I had you for even that long. Love you Dad. Forever your Daddy’s girl. Andy