Gratitude: Dad Edition 2

Today marks 3 years since my dad passed from ALS. It's hard for the day to feel anything but awful- however, my manager inspired me to try to mark this day as a celebration rather than mourning. I'm still sad, of course. But I'm also extremely thankful to have known him at all! So today, while I wear his sweater and get a drink at his favorite coffee place, I choose to think back on his life with joy and gratitude.

Without further ado, a list of things I loved about my dad.

1. He constantly evolved and was changing for the better
2. He could always defuse a bad situation with humor and laughter
3. I know he would be proud of what I've accomplished and my personal progress
4. He always bought me something for Valentine's Day
5. His handwriting was so stupidly awful and it makes me smile every time I try to decode something he's left behind
6. He pushed me to go after my dreams (sometimes too aggressively lmao but still appreciated)
7. He came from a poor farm in a small Southern town, no college degree, and built his entire life up
8. He was my mom's soulmate
9. He loved music so much, especially The Beatles or Creedence Clearwater Revival
10. It was an easy task to make him smile
11. He didn't really want a dog, but fell completely in love with Wilson and they had so many adventures together. Going on walks, laying out in the sun in the backyard, going on car rides, having Wilson on his lap so he could look out the window... etc. etc. etc.
12. He was deaf in one ear and used it to his advantage when he didn't want to listen to you lol
13. He planned ahead for everything in order to 110% ensure that we would be OK after he was gone
14. He was dedicated, hard working, and never procrastinated
15. He taught me the infinite value of waking up in the wee hours of the morning- grabbing a hot drink, reading a book, and opening up the windows

So so so so much love to you, Dad. You really were a lovely human. xx