Missing Robbie on Father's Day

Today is Father's Day. Sadly, my children's father is no longer with us. Now it is just another difficult day we HAVE to get through.

As I look back over the years, I remember all the precious moments this amazing man gave his kids. Whether it was riding them on his shoulders so they could see the parade, or standing by their side as they rode the carousel for the first time. Precious moments locked in time. Locked in our hearts to be recalled on days such as this.

This man drove 38 miles each way to work, everyday for 40 years so that his children could live in a better school district.Putting their needs above his convenience. Winters were especially scary. Little noses pressed against the front room window, watching for daddy, who was very late due to the storm.

The reassuring drive, taking a child to college, to live away from home for the first time.Daddy always made it exciting.Hauling in the heavy boxes and setting up the "new" living quarters with such enthusiasm it lended excitement to the moment.

Holidays were so joyful. Daddy was the biggest kid of all. Nobody loved secrets or surprised more than he. Nobody got more enjoyment out of a holiday meal and certainly nobody got greater joy from having all his people around him than daddy.He loved company and was in his element when his kids were teasing him,mussing his hair or listening to his goofy jokes and rolling with laughter as though they were really funny.

There was never a time when the kids where leaving after a visit that he didn't walk each one of them to their car, remind them to buckle up and tell them " I LOVE YOU". He always wanted to make sure they had enough gas to get home, and the usual father thing "when was the last time we changed your oil? How's the air pressure in your tires?"

His every concern was for the health, welfare, and love of his kids. He taught them to be morally straight, physically fit,emotionally sound,self confident, and ready to face the world head on.

We lost him when his first granddaughter was only 4 years old. He so adored this little girl. Nothing can match the gleam in a granddaddy's eye as when he is having tea with a human dress up doll.His first grandson had just turned one. The fishing trip granddaddy wanted to take would never happen.Sadly, he never knew he would have 3 more of the most precious grandchildren, 2 little boys and a little girl. Three little boys on a fishing trip with granddaddy is an unrealized dream. A tea party with 2 fussy little dress up girlie girls would have been his delight.We make sure these little ones know granddaddy from his picture.

So as we struggle to get through today, I just reflect on this amazing man. The man I married in my youth, and loved my whole life. How much I miss you darling. You gave me overwhelming joy and years of happiness, and I will be in your arms again one day.