Dad..here is what you have missed...

My Dad with Jackson - July 4, 2008

Sometimes I can’t believe I haven’t talked to my Dad in two days, let alone two months. So much has happened in my life since my Dad passed away. I often go to dial his cell number to share some news…only realize he is not there to pick up.

I have missed sharing my life with him. Most importantly, I miss his advice or humor when I’m stressed. He always had a way of making me feel like everything would work out.

My Dad loved this blog. He checked it daily and would call me and complain if I hadn’t posted that day. He always loved seeing pictures of Jackson and the other grandchildren. Since I can’t call him and update him on the happenings of my family, I have decided to write a post to him. Maybe someway, somehow, he can still read this and know what is going on in my life.

Dear Dad,

First and foremost, I miss you. We all miss you.

You have missed a few things since you have been gone and I want to fill you in.

Jackson is as sweet as ever. He is constantly grinning. He is talking so much (of course, no words), but he babbles all the time. We are constantly getting funny stares and comments when we mention his age. Just this weekend someone asked how old he was. I mentioned 5 months and this gentleman said, “Well, he sure is a big boy.” Justin and I just smiled. We’re happy he is a healthy eater. We joke that he gets his belly from you.

Jackson can roll from back to belly now. He gets his arms out and he is even starting to “scoot” now. I’m not sure I am ready for him to be mobile…but I know you would be so proud. He sucks on his toes, give us wet kisses, and is eating cereal like a champ. I wish you could see him. Justin reminds me all of the time that you can see him. I just wish I could see you with him one more time.

Justin and I took your advice and put our house up for sale in July, you knew that. But what you don’t know is that you were right when you said I would be surprised how fast it would sell. It sold in two months! We couldn’t believe it…but once again, you were right. I wished you were here when we got the news. You would have been the first person we called. Justin and I both had tears in our eyes because we wanted to call you so badly.

We are moving to Greenwood for now. We are going to rent an apartment. We know you would be laughing about us moving back into a “2X2”. You know how much I love apartment living!. Justin and I found the 2X2 piece of wood you made us in honor of our last apartment. We think it will make the best home décor at our new place.

We know you would be relieved to know that we will be an hour closer to Mom, Deb, Shel, and everyone else. You always liked having your family close together. We all love being together, it just isn’t the same without you.

We are moving November 1. Right now, we are dealing with the inspection. We had some questions that we would have called you with for some “expert” advice. Instead, Uncle Tom helped Justin with them…we know you would have asked Uncle Tom anyways.

Justin’s hand is finally healing. He gets his cast off soon and he will return to work at the end of the week. I think he is stir-crazy. You know he doesn’t sit still very well. This makes me think of when you told Justin a few things he could do to help in the weeks leading up to “operation nursery” at our house. Justin had them done in a matter of days. He did this for two reasons 1.) He can’t sit knowing there is a to-do list to be completed. 2.) He always wanted your approval. I assure him he had it.

Justin and I still watch the politics each night. We miss calling you to repeat what the pundits are saying. I miss you telling me that Hilary is out of control…and I miss telling you that you are sexist. For the record, Justin is voting for Barrack Obama. He says he is certain you would have done the same. He talks about conversations you had about Joe Biden. He says he is certain you would be pleased with him as VP. He mentioned to me that you would be outraged by Sarah Palin, I think he is right. I never thought you would vote for a democrat, but I think this might have been the year. I will vote for Barrack Obama also…and you won’t be here to cancel out my vote. Score one for the Democrats!

Dad, I could go on and on. There is so much I have wanted to tell you. A funny story here or a stressed phone call there. You were always an ear to listen. I miss you more than you could ever imagine. I just needed to share what was new with me…with you.

I love you.

Kristen