On September 15, 1997 my world as I knew it would change forever. This was the day my father passed, my father died of a stroke. My dad was 54 years old and just retired from Ameritech after 25+ years, had 6 wonderful grandchildren, 3 daughters and my mom :)
I remember my dad going to all my sports activities, maybe this is why I'm so active in my childrens sports activities because I can remember how good it made me feel to see him standing, sitting and talking about the event. I will never forget the "
hit it over the fence and I'll take you anywhere you want for dinner" BOOM! over the fence, Steak and Ale, that ball only cost my dad $50+ bucks, after that it was Taco Bell. LOL
One of my best memories of my dad is when my mother would go play cards with her girlfriends, she would do this about once a month. My dad would ask me "what are you doing tonight?" I would immediately say "Steak and Ale!" This was one of my dad's favorite restraurants. I would cancel my plans with my friends to "hang out" with my dad and YES it was always on a Friday/Saturday night and YES I was in high school at the time but it was awesome to hang out with him, eat dinner, and then of course we sometimes would go shopping at the mall and sometimes he would buy me things - ok everytime :)
Its funny how things can change on a dime. I look back and sometimes it feels like yesterday and other times it feels like forever, a lifetime ago. I look back on that afternoon when I was on the phone with my sister, my other sister was beeping in and my mom's voice in the background.
On my wedding day my dad and I danced to a song that reminds me of him everytime I hear it.
"Wind Beneath My Wings"
Ohhhh, oh, oh, oh, ohhh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow, to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.You always walked a step behind.
So I was the one with all the glory, while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.A beautiful smile to hide the pain.
Did you ever know that you're my hero, and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,for you are the wind beneath my wings.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed, but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it. I would be nothing without you.
Did you ever know that you're my hero? You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,for you are the wind beneath my wings.
Did I ever tell you you're my hero? You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle, for you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
I love you Dad and miss you everyday. You will never be forgotten . . .
