Good-bye...

My father passed away this afternoon...it is crazy to think of life without him. Death just makes it so final...sounds crazy to say that, but after all of the travel to Tuscaloosa to visit him over the years, it is weird to think we won't have to do that anymore. It is going to be hard remembering my Dad the way he used to be...those are the memories we want to hold on to, not the last 4-5 years. (We didn't realize what was going on part of that time, but his dementia definitely started before we knew what was going on).
My Dad truly was an amazing father...he was so supportive of me. Sports consumed my life throughout high school & college...and he was always traveling to watch me play ball. At least he was able to enjoy those days, since he loved watching me...Luckily, he was also able to walk me down the isle on my wedding day (which will be 3 years on the 15th...this week). I can't thank God enough for that blessing!
In the end, there are soooo many more blessings to this occasion...the fact that his mind was the part that left him (he didn't realize what was going on), the fact that he served in Vietnam (that allowed him to have access to the VA, which has been wonderful), because of the VA nursing home he had good care and had people who knew how to take care of him (we didn't know where to turn a few years ago until they accepted him), the fact that he was a believer (always makes death a celebration), the fact that he has a lot of friends and family (it will be a reunion of sorts later this week)...
the bottom line...I will miss my Dad and love him always!