Happy Birthday Dad - In Our Memories Forever!

This picture is how I remember my Dad. He loved that porch!

In June 2000 we all learned that Dad had cancer. Lung, with mets to liver & other areas in the lung. Dad was bound and determined to beat it. He wore the "peach fuzz" as a crown of victory.

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"I'm tellin' ya Doc, this peach fuzz is a sure sign that we're winnin'. I'm gonna be that 1% survival" Dad told his oncologist. He always was stubborn & if anyone could have beat it - it surely could be Dad, with in attitude & gonna kick it spirit!

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But that is not what God had planned for him.

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The last grandchild that Dad met was Kylee. She was the only grandchild that lived in Galesburg & got to see her Grandma and Grandpa all the time. He was quite smitten with her!

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This is one of the last great pictures of Dad on Kylee's first birthday (September 2000, 3 months into his cancer journey).

Here's how others will surely remember him - although I do remember this look (somewhat) from when I was young.

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This was the picture that many of his peers and family thought made him look like Elvis! [ya ain't nothin' but a hound dog]

Lucky for us - both Aunt Jani & Uncle Joe let me scan pictures of their of our family (from the old days).
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Here's my Dad on his first birthday!

Not sure his exact age here - but this resembles Mike & Donavan.

Here is Dad with his siblings - he was only 16 years younger than his oldest sister & 14 years younger then the twins!! Nothing like startin' over!! Oh wait - we did that too!!

Here's Dad and a neice Cheri & nephew Raymond (I think)....

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Mr. Teenager with attitude with older brother!! I think this pictures is "cool" - 50's attitude!!

This picture was around the time I was born.

We all know that our parents most likely will go before us. But, it doesn't make it any easier. My Dad was entirely too young to have lost his battle with cancer. I miss him always.

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Two songs mean so much to me:

The first is Butterfly Kisses. He danced with Janet at her wedding to that song. It reminds me of what he must have thought when us girls were growing up! And the way we feel now that we are raising a littl girl!

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There's two things I know for sure:

She was sent here from heaven and she'sdaddy's little girl.

As I drop to my knees by her bed at night

She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes

andI thank god for all the joy in my life

Oh, but most of all

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;

sticking little white flowers all up in herhair;

"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."

"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried.

"In all that I've done wrong

I know I musthave done something right

to deserve a hugevery morning

and butterfly kisses at night.
Sweet 16 today

She's looking like her mama a little more everyday

One part woman, the other part girl.

To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls

Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I rememberButterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;

stickinglittle white flowers all up in her hair.

"You know how much I love you, Daddy,

But if youdon't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time.

"With all that I've done wrong

I must have donesomething right

to deserve her love every morningand butterfly kisses at night.
All the precious timeLike the wind, the years go by.

Precious butterfly.Spread your wings and fly.
She'll change her name today.

She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.

Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.

She asked me what I'm thinking and I said

"I'm notsure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."

She leaned over...gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,

Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair

"Walk my down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."

"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry!"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong

I must havedone something right.

To deserve your love every morning and butterflykisses-

I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go,

but I'll always rememberevery hug in the morning and butterfly kisses

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The other song is One More Day by Diamond Rio.

This song became popular just before my Dad passed away, because of the Dale Earnhardt tragedy. One of the sports channels did a tribute using that song. My Tim was really into that & said one day that he'd like to dedicate that song to me on the radio, because he knows how much I missed my Dad - made me CRY!

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Last night I had a crazy dream

A wish was granted just for me

It could be for anything

I didnt ask for money

Or a mansion in malibu

I simply wished,

for one more day with you

One more day

One more time

One more sunset,

maybe Id be satisfied

But then again

I know what it would do

Leave me wishing still,

for one more day with you

First thing I'd do,

is pray for time to crawl

Then Id unplug the telephone

And keep the tv off

Id hold you every second

Say a million I love yous

Thats what Id do,

with one more day with you

Leave me wishing still,

for one more day

Leave me wishing still,

for one more day

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Dad I miss you & I love you!