My daddy

My darling dad passed away on July 3, 2010. Officially, he died on July 6, but that is just the date when the machines were unplugged. He was gone on the 3rd, after his third - and fatal - heart attack. They were able to fix his heart and get it going again, but his brain was without oxygen for too long and that, my father was unable to overcome.

Dad and I had our rough times, but after my firstborn arrived we agreed that we wouldn't ever let others' bullshit get in the way of our relationship, and that we'd talk everything out. He was a doting and proud grandfather and loved my boys dearly. He was always looking out for something new to get them, or making sure he had foods he liked at home for when we visited.

This is the last photo I have of me and my dad, taken a few months before he died. Today would have been his 77th birthday. We would probably have taken him out for dinner or brought dinner over to his place.

I miss you so much, dad, every day I think of you and the times we shared. I'm sure someday we'll see each other again. Until then, I hope you are proud of me and my boys.