A Poem

I came across this poem the other day and thought it was beautiful. Even though Dad doesn't have a grave per se I still think the message applies.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

The Christmas Song

So many Christmas Songs remind me of Dad, but especially this one.

(Pause the music at the bottom of the blog before you play the video.)

Missing You

Dear Dad,
The holidays were nice, but it wasn't the same without you. Every time I look at your favorite spot in the Florida room, I still expect to see you there. On our way home from Sophia's birthday party we tried to sing Christmas carols like we used to do. We were quiet and forgot some of the words. We were off key. We were always off key, but your strong voice always covered it up. I wanted to watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, but I just couldn't do it. I couldn't imagine watching it without hearing you laugh like a stalled Chrysler as Cousin Eddie said, "Merry Christmas, - shitter's full," or saying the one-liners right along with Clark Griswald. Sparky. I read the Night Before Christmas aloud before we went to bed last night. You did it better. I miss how you would pretend to yack whenever you read the line, "tore open the shutters and threw up the sash". I did that too, but Seth, Mark and Miles just didn't get it. We left Santa shrimp and beer just like we always did growing up. I could only get down about a half of a Yeungling. How the heck did you drink that stuff? Bleck. I gave everyone ornaments that had their picture with you on them. I made Dana cry. She says the snow we saw falling this evening was sent by you because you wanted us to have a White Christmas. It was more like a Blue Christmas. We still had laughter and fun but we all miss you terribly. Mom tries to be strong but you can see in her sad eyes that her heart is broken. Dan reminds me more of you every day. His little mannerisms, but also how he likes to make sure everyone around him is having a good time. Your grandchildren miss you. They don't even realize how much, yet. I hope wherever you are that you can read this. I hope you had a nice Christmas and know that you are missed everyday. Our world will never be the same without you. Love, Amy