One Year
2004-11-05, 8:18 a.m.

�Tis a sad day for Sally.

November 5th, 7:05 pm. Daddy�s been gone one year.

He fought the cancer hard, but it was already advanced by the time it was found. He was blessed enough to do fairly well for nearly a year. He and Mama had just moved here to live near us when his cancer was discovered. He was able to spend a lot of time with my children, his only two grandchildren whom he adored more than anything. He was visited by family and friends from all across the United States. Then, mid-October, he suddenly worsened, became confined to a wheelchair and supplemental oxygen, and three weeks later he was gone.

But he was ready.

In the days before his death, people called. Relatives. Friends. Business associates. Even the barber popped in. Nieces and nephews called to thank him for all his help in getting them started in first jobs and first businesses and how he helped them become the successes they are today. He heard from so many people how much he was appreciated and loved. Daddy knew his job here was finished, and it was a job well done. His family was fine, his faith was strong, and he knew we would be all right. And we are.

But I miss him.

One of his friends said at the funeral home, �There goes one of the greatest men who ever lived.� I have to agree. I am very glad he passed away knowing others felt that way about him. Most of us wait too late to tell others how much they mean to us.

Happy First Anniversary in Heaven, Daddy.

Sally�s mood is: . But it will get better.

last - next