~~ 18 Years ~~

Dear Dad,

It’s been 18 years since I saw you last.  18 years but seems like only yesterday.   So much has happened in my life….

I got my driver’s license

I missed you

I graduated high school

I missed you

I fell in love (or so I though)

I missed you

I had my heart broken
I missed you

I graduated college

I missed you

I gained (and lost) friends

I missed you

I traveled the world

I missed you

I fell in love again

I missed you

I found a career

I missed you

I bought a house

I missed you

I got married

I missed you

I had a son

I missed you

I wish you could have been here to share these milestones with me.  It’s just not the same without you.

Love,
your little girl

This one’s for you Daddy

17 years ago my life was forever changed.  Despite the love and son god has given me, the hole in my heart will always be there.  He missed me graduating high school, graduating college, getting married and having a child.  But what I miss the most is the thought of him meeting my son & A getting to know him.  I know the two of them would have been best buds.

In honor of his memory here are some of my favorite pictures of my dad and I over the wonderful 15 years that I was lucky enough to have known him.

(and yes, I had big hair in the 80's and early 90's so no snickering)

our first picture together

I couldn't be more than a year here

one of my favorite early family portraits (I'm bottom left)

at the Great Escape in Lake George

my confirmation

8th Grade Graduation

Homecoming my freshman year of HS

When my parents renewed their vows

our last picture together