Who did you remember today?

Today is Memorial Day, a time to remember. Specifically, it is a day to remember the men and women who have sacrificed all for our freedom. I only have to look at my girls to be reminded that we in the US are blessed with great freedom. In the country of their birth men and women sacrifice greatly to do what we are able to do so freely... worship the Almighty God. I am so very thankful for the men and women who have so bravely fought to establish and to protect this right.

We normally go to the cemetary to visit the graves of three of my grandparents and my dad. While my dad was not a veteran, he is the one that I have thought of most today. Earlier this month marked the 20th anniversary of my Dad's death, pretty significant as I now have been without my dad longer than I had him in my life. I have thought of him often this month. He was far from perfect, but he was my Dad. The last few years were pretty rocky, but he was my Dad. I loved him very much, and I know that he loved me. I think that the thing I miss most about him was that he was an awesome encourager.
I was living in CA when my Dad passed away, and it had been nearly a month since the last time I had talked to him... like I said, things were a bit rocky. I came home for the funeral, but had to return to CA to finish up finals. When I was packing my room to move home I found a letter written to my by my Dad. I did not even remember reading this letter, and only knew it must have come before Christmas. I was able to date the letter only because the P.S. read, "Here are your tickets!" I remember sitting in a half packed room reading this letter and thinking that it had been dropped straight from heaven... the first line read, "Well, I'll bet you never believed you'd get a letter from me. Here it it!" I will not quote the entire letter, but it was filled with word of encouragement. He closed with "Please remember that I do love you- very, very much." I am so thankful that I found that letter, even more thankful that I didn't throw that letter away in my anger.
We didn't make it to the cemetary this year, my mom did and I am sure she put flowers at his grave. Thanks, Mom. We did have a big get together with family and friends, all of my siblings and their children were in attendance. I think that he would have been delighted in the way we spent our day... laughing, playing and just enjoying each other. Time has passed, and the deep pain of grief has subsided... but on days like today I miss my Dad. I love you, Dad.