2nd Anniversary of Dad's death

I cannot believe it has already been two years since my dad passed away...November 17, 2013.

We never stop thinking about our loved ones that have gone on before us. This weekend, after the terrorists attacks in Paris, I was thinking about how much better off Dad is right now. He doesn't have to concern himself one bit with these things...not that he was one to be worrisome about things, but he has no pain, no worry, no hardship where he is now.

I still cannot believe that he is no longer here. I miss him. We all do. Most of what I miss about him is from my growing up years, as we were not super close in my adult years (I was closer to my mom...and some other things got in the way of our relationship) But, he was my dad. He provided a wonderful life for me and always took care of my needs...and many wonderful camping and hiking adventures as well. I loved growing up in the country, running around in bare feet and swimming every summer - every day, playing lots of basketball, and riding my bike everywhere. And, of course, our many walks to Food Rite, the small grocery store a few miles from our house.

Here are some photos for memories sake...

Whenever I think about my dad, I can't help but think of Michael's dad...who was truly like my own father to me. He was one of the most incredible men I have ever met (that is what has made my own husband so great). We sure wish we could have enjoyed those planned years we had for them to live in the "cabin" near us in Pennsylvania. We had so many plans of things to do...we never even got a chance to enjoy that cabin. Michael and I had just got it fixed up when he got sick with his cancer again. We only had a few weekend trips there. We had plans for them to come for the whole summer/fall and all of us enjoy our time together doing normal activities. (like them come to Cam's recitals or Jar's Cubbies Grand Prix). It is so sad that we never got to experience that life.

He was so excited when he learned that our first baby was a boy. He was beyond excited when cute little Jar was born...another boy to carry on the Smith name. He was very proud of those boys. He was so excited to see them grow up...and to see what they could accomplish. I pictured him being there when the boys had recitals or church plays or sporting events. I pictured him being there when they graduated high school and then college...and then one day when they met a very special girl and got married and had children (his great grandchildren).

He passed away a little over ten years ago...April 5, 2005. The boys were just eight and five years old. They really do not even remember him. Cam remembers a few little things, but I think that it is mostly from the videos that we have. Jar does not remember him at all. That saddens me.

My own grandfathers died when I was six years old and fifteen years old. I do not remember a lot of things about the grandfather who died when I was six years old. I have a few memories that I cherish. I very much wish that I had been able to get to know them more and spend more time with them.

These men are truly missed every single day. We think about them all of the time. I am comforted by knowing that "I'll see you again; I'll see you in glory someday."