Celebrating Our Angel

We were able to celebrate Dad's life on July 15th and it was nothing short of wonderful. It was incredible to see so many of Dad's friends and family from all parts of his life come out to honor and celebrate him. I was so glad to be able to meet many of you and reconnect with many others. Although we all already knew how special Dad was, it was even more apparent that night listening to the speeches and stories you all shared with us. Dad sure did let us know he was present, we had a MASSIVE storm at the golf club that night. The rain knocked down tree pots and even brought out a snake! Thank you again to all that attended physically and in spirit, and thank you for loving Dad!

If you didn't get to attend, this is the link to the slideshow !

With it now being three months today since Dad's passing, I hope you are all feeling his presence as much as I am. I can't say it has been easy and I miss him everyday but I know with all my heart he is with us and watching over us. There has been so many instances but the most recent was last night while at dinner with some girlfriends I picked up a pad of paper filled with quotes. The first one that I opened to was the quote I got tattooed right before Dad passed. I couldn't help but smile and know he was next to me in that very moment.

Kristen started teaching for Teach for America here in Phoenix in August. She is teaching 8th grade Reading at Bicentennial North and although those kids can be challenging I know she is going to make a huge difference in their lives. I am so excited to see where TFA takes her personally and professionally!

I started nursing school last week which was very exciting! The first day was very bittersweet and emotional as I couldn't help but to reflect on the past year and my journey to get there and honestly just the realization that I made it there. My school is right by MD Anderson so I stopped to see Kristine (chemo nurse), Juanita, and Sonija (Dad's blood work ladies) after my first day...something I had been wanting to do since Dad passed away. Kristine was the reason I wanted to become a nurse so I just had to stop by and thank her for inspiring me. It was such a blessing to be able to sit down and talk with all of them and see that Dad had made just as much of an impact on them as they did on him.

Mom and I have had many laughs the past few months sorting through mail that comes for Dad. The most recent was Dad being summoned for jury duty. Although I am sure he would have been thrilled to attend, Mom let them know he wouldn't make it and attached his death certificate. Dad received this letter in the mail last week:

Thank you Maricopa County, we will be sure to pass this on to him. :)

I am so grateful to Mom. She has been so great in organizing all of the details that you have to deal with after someone dies. I would be lost without her that is for sure! She had a great last month at work flying with some of her "besties". I can only imagine the hell they raised on those trips :)

A friend wrote a post earlier this week remembering her husband who had passed four years earlier that brought me so much joy and a change in perspective. She wrote "four years without you... and yet four years closer to you." And how incredibly true. It is so easy to focus on the time that has passed without Dad here on earth, but we are now 3 months closer to reuniting with him in eternal life. Cheers to you today Daddy, we love and miss you and thank you for watching over us each day.