Fathers Day is but a bittersweet memory for me.  It is a day of sadness, loss, and remembrance.  With remembrance comes tears and then smiles and quiet laughs.

My father passed away three years ago, on July 6th, losing his battle to cancer.  He lived a long, hard, fun life and taught me everything I know about life.  His battle was one that I never wish for anyone to have to witness, but his battle also taught me many life lessons.

Because of my father, I am emotionally raw.  Like him, I emotionally involve myself in everyday life and the things/people I love.  It’s something he taught me to never be ashamed of – my emotions.  We love wildly, we laughed until our face and stomach hurts and we’re gasping for air.  We mourn deeply when sadness strikes and we carry words spoken to us like spare change in our pockets, being reminded of them throughout the day and taking them out and putting them to rest at night.  We emotionally involve ourselves in those things that affect us personally, and I can’t say it’s the best or easiest personality trait to have – but it’s ours, and we understood and learned to cherish it.

My father was a farmer and a Sheriff.  He was old school and old fashioned.  He had hands of leather but a heart of gold.  He was a teacher and a preacher.  He was a listener and a story teller.  He was the biggest part of my life growing up – my sunshine.  I was definitely daddy’s little girl and I still am.

I could write all day, but I’ll stop here.  Daddy, I love you and thank you for the gift of emotions and wisdom that you have taught me.  Though I still struggle with some (like patience and listening) on a daily basis – they are but a reminder of your biggest lesson of all.  To love and give where you can.