The First Love of My Life
9 years ago today I suddenly lost the first love of my life and it was another lesson on the fragility of life, that the body dies, but the love NEVER dies 💕
I’ll never forget the call late that night, hearing my sisters voice on the other end of the line... I can hear my response “not my Dad, not My Daddy”. He was gone in an instant when his giant heart stopped beating at the age of 63 and we were left without this amazing man who loved us all unconditionally and made everyone around him laugh, lighten their load and see the humor in life.
My father would regularly say “I was born to be a Dad”, what an incredible thing to hear as a child... this was a lesson he learned after losing my brother Brian. He would drive me downtown each week to see a child therapist and on one trip down he explained to me that he used to think life was about accomplishments and doing what you’re “supposed” to do. That kids were “supposed” to do certain things and parents had all these things they were “supposed to do”. I remember him saying “None of that matters Lizzy, I was focused on the wrong things. I am just supposed to love you guys, and direct you the best I can and LOVE the heck out of you, that’s all I’m here to do”. ❤️
He openly expressed love and humor to us every day, but he also expressed love to those around him and he lit everyone up with laughter. He is still the funniest person I have met to date (Bridget Baker you’re the only
other person in the running) and he uses that to heal others.
My father is the perfect example of a nobody who was a somebody.
**This is an important lesson that I learned at his TWO wakes**
Hundreds of people came through the wake, including grown men who were crying and talking about how they loved just popping in to see my Dad for a joke or a cup of coffee, people who talked of how much he made them laugh, helped them out, and was just simply kind to them. I learned that to leave a positive impact on this world and the people in it, you don’t have to make a lot of money, have a park or a building named after you, drive a fancy car, come up with the cure for all cancers (although I hope someone does), give up your life as a missionary, win a Nobel Peace Prize, become a priest or do something extraordinary. All you have to do is help others along, make them feel good when they are in your presence, let them know they are important and have value and above all... love them. Unconditionally.
My father owned an auto repair shop. 🚗
He came home every day smelling like rubber tires with grease under his nails.
He didn’t make a lot of money.
He didn’t drive a fancy car.
But he was deeply loved and he impacted hundreds of lives... including mine.
He was my best friend... he had me, he held me and he loved me unconditionally and taught me the value of doing that for others. He taught me to laugh, have fun, and to never take yourself too seriously and certainly no one else. 😂
To the best damn Cowboy that ever lived, happy heavenly birthday.
I miss you so much and could use your hugs and support right now... but I know you’re around. Please take care of sweet Michael and Dutch and show them the ropes 💕
Love you.
Friends, I ask, how will you impact our world today?
#LeaveYourMarkWithLove #IKnowYouStillHaveMeAndHoldMe
#MissingDad #HappyBirthdayDad #NineYears #Love #One #MissingMichael#ShowHimHeavenDad #GratefulHeart