Alaska on my mind…

They say the “firsts” are the hardest after you experience the death of a loved one, the first holidays, birthday, the anniversary of the death.

My first “first” is coming up this weekend.

Since we are most certainly a non-traditional family, not observing the traditional American holidays, the important markers to my Father and I were: Father’s Day, my Dad’s birthday, Thanksgiving, my kid’s birthdays and my birthday.

Father’s Day was always important to me, to send my Dad a card or gift, occasionally a call (because he was hard to get on the phone!). I remember one of the first Father’s Day gifts I ever sent to my Dad: A counted cross-stitch that still hangs on his cabin wall.

Cross-stitch I made my Dad close to 20 years ago.

This year, I will be observing Father’s Day in Alaska, but without my Dad. A little ironic. The reality of this hit me a few days ago, when I realized that I was planning on spending the weekend at my Dad’s cabin, and that it would also be Father’s Day.

The tears flowed.

I miss him so much.

Happy Father’s Day Dad.

P.S.
Even though my heart is heavy over my Father being gone, I have one very special comfort, the most amazing Step-Dad in the world. My Richie is an awesome guy. He’s funny, gentle, loving, devoted, a do anything for you kind-of-guy. The kind of guy that maybe I’ll be blessed to find some day. I will miss seeing him on Father’s Day this year. Know I love you and wish you a very Happy Father’s Day Richie!