April 7th

April 7th, a day that is always filled with so many emotions. It is a day filled with joy as we celebrate Zoe’s birthday. But, it is a day filled with so much sadness as we remember my dad. We celebrate life and mourn death on the same day every year. I know I’ve said it before but I never thought I would have a reason to celebrate on April 7th but God had a plan to redeem that day for our family with Zoe’s life. Celebrating her gives us reasons to smile that day but it does not take away the pain of missing my dad. I so wish he was here with us celebrating Zoe and that April 7th was just a day of joy. I will never understand God’s plan but we know He had a reason for taking my daddy so early in life. This year, April 7th fell on Good Friday. April 9th, the anniversary of daddy’s funeral was on Easter Sunday. We sang In Christ Alone at church which is what we sang around Daddy’s death bed with our family, his assistant pastor and some elders and what we sang at his funeral. I still can’t get through that song without tears but I love the message of the hope we have because of Easter that we will see my dad again one day. It hurts so much but we know this is not the end and I am so grateful we have that hope.

Zoe girl, I say this every year but I always want you to know that your Grampie loved you even though he never got to meet you. He was so excited to have another grandbaby. You’ve said so many times recently that it isn’t fair that you didn’t get to meet him and all I can say to that is yes, it is not fair. I hate that you didn’t get to be spoiled by him like Piper and Ava. You are missing out on such an amazing influence in your life and I hate that. But, I know he is waiting for you in Heaven to joke around with you, sneak you candy and give you hugs. Until that day, we will tell you all sorts of stories about him, look at pictures and you can hug your Grampie bear tight until you can get the real hug.

Daddy/Grampie, we love you and miss you so much!