Today, it has been 13 years since my dad died. This year I've reflected a bit differently because I realized I have officially lived as many years without my dad, as I did with him. I was 13-years-old when he died. It is so crazy to think because I feel like when I put it in perspective, I really understand now how short my time on earth was with my dad. I still remember things, not a lot, but sometimes I feel like I can still hear his chuckle. I remember his smile, the way his feet turned in when he walked, the gold watch he always wore on his left wrist, the motorcycle rides around the loop. With time the memories do fade but I never forget how much he loved us. How I loved my Dad! After long nights with work and church meetings, he'd still come out and shoot hoops with me. I like to think the 13 years I spent with my dad were better than a lot of people get in 40 years with their parents. I was lucky to have such an amazing father, even if it was for such a short time. I wonder almost every day how our lives would be different if he were still here. I wish he could play with Knox and get to know Dave.
I love this picture. As you can tell I don't have many, but this is kind of what I picture it will be like in the next life, when we will meet again.
Today, it has been 13 years since my dad died. This year I've reflected a bit differently because I realized I have officially lived as many years without my dad, as I did with him. I was 13-years-old when he died. It is so crazy to think because I feel like when I put it in perspective, I really understand now how short my time on earth was with my dad. I still remember things, not a lot, but sometimes I feel like I can still hear his chuckle. I remember his smile, the way his feet turned in when he walked, the gold watch he always wore on his left wrist, the motorcycle rides around the loop. With time the memories do fade but I never forget how much he loved us. How I loved my Dad! After long nights with work and church meetings, he'd still come out and shoot hoops with me. I like to think the 13 years I spent with my dad were better than a lot of people get in 40 years with their parents. I was lucky to have such an amazing father, even if it was for such a short time. I wonder almost every day how our lives would be different if he were still here. I wish he could play with Knox and get to know Dave.
I love this picture. As you can tell I don't have many, but this is kind of what I picture it will be like in the next life, when we will meet again.
18 comments:
What a neat picture! I'm sure, especially with all you've been through, you're dad is so happy with and proud of how you've turned out!
Suz - Paul and I were just talking this week about your Dad and how much he is missed. He is still quoted in church meetings, and loved for all the people he served. Can't even imagine what he is being able to accomplish on the other side of the veil. Also, I'm sure that he and Knox are well aquainted - if your son could only tell you about their chats in heaven!
Ah Suze, what a sweet post. He sounds like an incredible guy, from all I've heard from you over the last couple of years. I love how much you do share about what you remember. Hold it close! Before we know it, we will be re-acquainted with all those we miss here on this earth! Sure love you, Sarah
Suz, those pictures brought back a lot of memories. I think of your Dad a lot and I can even hear his laugh and see his funny little walk. He is such a good *great* man and I'm sure he is so proud of all his daughters. I can't believe it has been 13 years. You've been through so much in your young years...you are one solid/tough/amazing person.
When you have made reference to losing your dad in church, I always assumed it was more recent. I had no idea you were only 13. Like you, I lost a parent young. My mother passed away suddenly when I was 14. It was such a hard time, as I'm sure you know. But, it made me stronger, and played a big part in who I am today. I'm sure you probably feel the same way.
I loved your post. Brought a few tears.
Suzy thank you so much for the good example and strength you are to everyone! This post made me cry. I can't imagine all you've been through over the past thirteen years. But I love that picture at the bottom of your post because you are going to have the sweetest reunion with your dad.
He was an amazing person. I know just from everything my parents tell me. I still remember his laugh! Your strength is amazing!
Your dad and I were very close. Whenever I had a difficult issue or decision to make, I always sought your dad's advice. He was the big brother I never had. I miss the racketball games and "business" lunches we had together. He was a great man and I can't think of anyone I look up to more than your father. I have felt his spirit close at times... We all miss him dearly, but I know he is still watching over his girls and trying to help you all on the other side.
I had no idea and I wish I had so I could have talked to you about it at lunch today. I really liked your post and I imagine if you're anything like him that he was amazing. I just think the world of you Suzy!
suz I loved reading that. And I also love the last picture :) My grandpa was in the hospital down in Ogden when your dad was. I remember there rooms were just down the hall from each other. I would always see your family when I was down there with my grandma. I always felt so sad for you guys because you were so young. But your right, you probably had a better 13 years with him then some people have with there dads for 40 years! It's so comforting to know we will be with them again :)
Suzy--I've been lurking on your blog for a little while--I link over from Denise L.'s. I'm Katie (Willie) Child. You've got a sweet little family.
I mentioned to my folks last night about your post. I remember when your dad died. It was the year I graduated from MC. I remember sobbing in my bedroom because he was a good man, and a wonderful bishop. I think it affected my dad particularly because they went to high school together.
Last night when we were up at my folks we were watching some of our very-very-old family videos and we came across a May Day video from like 1988 or something. When the camera zoomed in on the crown bearer and flower girl . . . you can see where this is going . . . it was you and Bracken. Darling. It was such a fun walk down memory lane. I'd be glad to make a copy of it for you.
Thanks for sharing Suzy. You are amazing and so is your little family. I am sure your Dad is so proud of you. I am.
I'm sure that Knox and your dad are closer than anyone here on this earth could imagine. I bet they have little chats all the time. How sweet that reunion will be when you see him again, and I can only imagine how incredibly proud of you are your little family he must be. Thanks for sharing:)
I also can remember his walk and his laugh, I can't believe it's been 13 years Suzy. It's crazy to think that you've spent the same amount of time without him as you did with him. I'm sure he misses you just as much as you miss him. He was an amazing guy!
Oh you brought me to tears! This post brings back a lot of memories for me that I had forgotten about. Thanks for posting it! I love you!
Katie, good to hear from you! How is the Willie family? I would love a copy of the video, we really don't have much from growing up...pics, videos, etc. That would be so great to see!
What a sweet post Suzy, I'm just crying here! I love those pictures of the two of you! I'm sure he gets to peek in on you and your wonderful family :)
Suzy, I just remember your dad being the nicest man. I love that you brought up your memory of shooting hoops with him because I remember doing that with you two. I think you guys introduced me to HORSE.
I'm sure he is so proud to see who you have become. That will definitely be a sweet reunion one day.
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