Happy Birthday.

**disclaimer: this is a bit sad and sappy so please be prepared, but it's also a bittersweet way to reflect on the past year's accomplishments, adventures, and moments. **


Happy Birthday, Dad! Today would have been the big 6-4. We got small cakes to eat and we thought about the silly memories we shared with you. We miss you so so much and there's many things I wish you could have witnessed.

1. Getting my first tattoo. A beautiful, golden sunflower on my ankle just for you.
2. Receiving my first real raise and promotion at work.
3. Buying a trailer in our favorite place to visit.
4. Megan got engaged (and nearly got married- thank goodness she didn't!! ).
5. Bella grew up and started 6th Grade.
6. Mom went back to school. She's actually starting her second semester tomorrow.
7. Cristina and Michael adopted a cat named Sophie.
8. Mom was able to pay off the mortgage thanks to your amazing financial planning. We'd rather have you than have paid off the house, though.
9. Having your memorial in the back yard you loved, surrounded by more than 50 people who you positively changed.

Throughout this year in particular, I've been blessed with a few small signs that you're somewhere in this universe taking watch. Seeing pork rinds in the store, eating a pickle slice with my grilled cheese, seeing an old Cadillac on the street, etc. We still have your Nook plugged in so your alarm goes off every morning and we dance along to it (sometimes we even make Wilson dance haha). I still sleep with your jacket and wear your favorite sweater out. I still feel lonely without you so I look down at my ankle and remember you're always with me.

Happy Birthday, Daddy.