Happy Anniversary!

I just wanted to give a little shout out to my hubby of 34 years! You're still the one. I am so glad I found you, or you found me....who can remember how it really happened?

Actually I fell in love with you in the first grade when you didn't even know I existed... because you could count to 1oo, tell time, play chess with stacked up checkers, and you looked really cool in your plaid shirts and boots! I still remember going to your birthday party.

Then I remember you in high school when I really fell in love! Where did the time go? How did we get so old? All I know is that I still love you with all my heart and I want the world to know it...I guess now they do! Happy anniversary.

I was his "Sweet Pea"

sad times

Man, I miss my dad so much. He passed away Aug 25th, and the funeral was Friday. I don't care that he was 84, you're just never ready to let go of someone you love.

When I was 10 years old I learned to play "Lara's Theme" on the piano (Somewhere my Love) and dad said " I love that song Teena, I want you to play it at my funeral". So I've had 40 years to be prepared, and of course I wasn't....you just never are.

I spent the week with mom, and I'm really glad I had the chance to re-connect with my brothers during that time. I actually got a hug AND a kiss on the cheek from 2 of my brothers (read my earlier wedding blog and you'll understand)

I have so many memories of dad, I shared a few of them when I spoke at his funeral. I remember dancing on his feet when I was a little girl and him picking me up and squeezing me tight and singing "I'll never let you go, why? because I love you!" I sang that same song to my kids.

Dad had a really tough job. He worked for 35 years as a steel worker to support his family. I can remember seeing the burns on his arms and neck. Everyday there were new ones....and he acted like it was no big deal.

I will always appreciate what a good grandpa dad was. He loved my kids so much.

I didn't sing it...but I read these lyrics by Dan Fogelberg at Dad's funeral that sort of express the way I feel .

I thank you for the music and the stories of the road,
I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go.
I thank you for the kindness, and the times when you got tough.
And Papa, I don't think I said I love you near enough.

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old,
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul.
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man,
I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band.

I Love you Papa! I'm going to miss you....