Missing Dad

Eighty four years ago today my dad was born.

He was born in Byron Township. He also died there. In between those two events, I don't think he even lived a year of his life in Byron Township.

Slowly, we are working our way through the things he left behind.

Last year he had just recently been released from a two week hospital stay followed by a two week nursing home stay. We celebrated his eighty third birthday by going to Old Country Buffet, his favorite place to eat.

Two years ago he purchased what he was sure would be his last car. A Ford Crown Victoria. He said he started with a Ford and he would end with a Ford. He did.

Here is a framed picture of that first car. My dad led a simple life. He never once owned a new car. He never had a car financed either. In with his important papers I found this list. A list of every car he had ever owned. Makes me smile. It's just soooo 'dad'.

My dad liked to 'book-end' things.

He started his life with, what else, LIFE. And although death ended the life he had led for eighty-three years, it could not destroy him. What he has now is a new life.

Somehow it seems fitting that his first birthday away from his old life is this particular Saturday, the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter.

Much to ponder.

And tomorrow, much to celebrate!

I miss my dad. But we shall see him again someday.