Back again... another year gone by. Not sure about you, but for me it hasn't gotten any easier. Different - but certainly not easier.
Here a while back - while dropping Elijah off at a friends house near Dad & Trish's old neighborhood - I detoured to drive past the old house. Guess what? No Dad to be found.
Fathers Day, when I stopped by Mt Tahoma? He wasn't there either!
So where IS Dad? I've searched for 2 years now. I've looked for that place to go when I really need to find him. Well, on this the 2nd (for lack of any better words at this early hour) anniversary of Dad's passing... I wonder no more.
I took today off work. Looking ahead, I kinda expected this day would probably have it's ups & downs - highs & lows - hills & valleys (I'm sure you get the idea), so I planned ahead and took a vacation day. But how do I spend it? Where do I go to be with Dad?
That's where the learning came in. Dad always told me Dina was smarter than I am... I guess last night, that point was proven once again.
As we chatted about todays plans, I was rambling through pros and cons of visiting Tahoma again. Being the eternal optimist she is - Dina suggested going somewhere else to spend the day with Dad. Somewhere I'm certain to find him.
Like McDonald's or Starbucks for a cup of coffee & bit of the morning paper... that sounds like it might be a good place to start ...I bet I'd find him there!
Maybe a surprise visit to the school (Dina's there running school pictures today) or a family member or friends office to say 'hi' - just cause 'I was in the neighborhood' ...I bet I'd find him there!
A trip to South Hill could be a great place for a walk and some frugal shopping at Target ...I bet I'd find him there!
Dina reminded me that there are tons of places to find Dad. Some expected & searched for - like Starbucks or the mall. Others, possibly just a glimpse of him in passing - like in my sons as they get more & more grown up, or even in my own reflection in the mirror from time-to-time.
I know Dina misses him as much as I do. But while I frequently catch myself in the midst of little pity parties, she's reminding me to search for the silver linings... a lot like Dad used to do!
Take a look around as you go through your day ...I bet you find him there, too!
Pedro:)
