It’s has been five years since I’ve last seen your face, heard your voice, or listened to your corny jokes. Sometimes I do find myself re-reading the cards you wrote me, holding onto pictures of you tight, and re-watching our own home videos of you snoring. Those never fail to make me laugh.

Though you may not be here physically, I know you push me along with your gentle whispers watching me as I grow. The loss of you has molded me into a person I am so proud of being today.

My Dad was a man with resilience and a strong will. He taught me that respect is not just given but yet it is earned and to also never hold grudges. That is a lesson that I will also pass down to my children when that time comes for me (not anytime soon lol).

Not a day passes where I don’t think of him, with everything I do I keep him in mind.

Anyone who loses a loved one can say their thoughts on life go completely 180.

As this 5^th anniversary of my Dad’s passing goes by, I think about the person I was before and who I am now. Holding close to me the gifts him and my Mom brought into this life, My brother and I.

I still remember drives in the car with you. How you could figure out the rhythm to any song within the first couple seconds by tapping your hands on the steering wheel.

Thank you for showing me what good music is.

Sitting on your lap as you watched your Sunday Football in the chair that no one else could sit in but you. (Sorry Dad, Giants ain’t doin’ too good this season but I know you're still rooting for them.)

I love when I hear stories about you that I’ve never have before.

One of my favorites is when you used to go golfing with Poppy and Grandma. You would either move the ball a little closer to the hole when no one was looking or you’d “forget” your count on that round. (Guess that’s why I would never win in board games)

I hope there’s golf up there in heaven for ya.

Losing someone you love is one of the hardest situations a person may face in their life. When I lost you Dad, it was almost as if a piece me went with you for a while. Though, through this I was able to find myself and what ignites my passions. Shifting my focus to what I want to be getting out of life and the woman you would be proud of raising.

Joey and I do great things for you. We have you by our side each step of the way. Life is a precious gift and my love for you only grows.

I love you always

-Smiley xxoo