A day without Dad

And so it's been three years now, without my Dad. My memories are sweet and my love is still strong. I keep wondering what he would have thought about these great-grandchildren of his. Of course, he knew Jason and thought he was the greatest, but even three years ago, Jason was just a little thing. He would be amazed with all the things Jason has been doing: karate, soccer, football, school, ice hockey. And smart..Dad would have loved that.

And then Haley... he had a nickname all picked out and how did he know that it would have been a nickname to fit her perfectly: "Dinky" cuz she is small and so little and so cute. I know he wouldn't have been able to keep his eyes off that gorgeous little girl.

And Jimmy...our little rascal; tough guy. How Dad would have laughed when he saw him. "Here Jim, shake my hand", Dad would have said! Jimmy may have earned himself the nickname of Last of the Good Ole Boys Part II. We'll never know. But I know Dad would have treasured these kids and above all else, this is what I miss most...the fact that he missed out on these most precious beautiful times with my grandkids.

And let's not forget little Maddie, the youngest, just learning to walk...my brother Bob's first grandchild. Four great-grandchildren...ahh, Dad would have loved it. The noise and the confusion might have bothered him a bit but he would have delighted in the sounds of laughter coming from these little urchins.

Would he have been Papa Bud; Grandpa Bud? I don't know. But if you're looking down at us, Dad... please know that we miss you. Our family is strong and we're growing and we will remember you to these little ones. You told us lots of stories....lots.....and we haven't forgotten a one of them.