Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

Well, tomorrow it will have been one year since you left us. In some ways it seems like the year passed by quickly, and yet at the same time it feels like an eternity since I saw you last. It's funny how time does that. Since you died on a Thursday, today seems more like the anniversary of your death. It's dreary outside. The snow is melting, leaving patches of ice and puddles of muddy water in its place. It's been rainy. The air holds the promise of Spring, but it still looks and feels like winter outside. We've changed things up a bit. James and Dan go to Milford Music together for guitar and piano on Tuesdays now. I'm so thankful for that. It would be hellish to spend the entire day comparing the similarities of March 11th last year to March 11th this year. I can see myself recalling your image in the door around 5:30 as you hustle James out the door to his lesson. I could torture myself, again, remembering our last hug. I might even go downstairs to run on the treadmill, trying to recreate the whoosh of energy that came over me around 8:30 p.m., the time I feel sure that you died. I may have even drug the kids out of bed late at night to ride to your house in the rain, to find mom in the backyard with you. Our lives were so drastically changed that night. Her life with you by her side ended in just an instant. So, wow, despite the changes we've made in an effort not to spend every Thursday night in the same routine, remembering the details of the night you died, everything that happened a year ago is still so fresh in my head.

I'm scared Dad. I feel like I've been living in a protective shelter this year. I'm wrapped in a bubble that says I'm grieving and I'm fragile, so be gentle with me because I might break at any minute. What happens when the bubble pops? Do I really have a breaking point? Or will I rise to the occasion? I never thought I'd lose you or Mom before you had the chance to watch my children grow. But now I know that death does not discriminate. It touches all of us at one time in some way or another. It hit me hard this time. I'm much more sensitive to the fact that it will hit me again. Sometimes I even catch myself holding my breath, fearful of what lies ahead.

Throughout this year, the unpredictability of how I will feel from one minute to the next has been a challenge for me. Other than that, it is feeling so vulnerable that troubles me. I feel so raw, so exposed sometimes. I am learning that I can be strong and vulnerable at the same time. Who knew? I am learning to accept whatever it is I feel as it passes through me. I don't hold on so tightly anymore, Dad. I am learning to let things go.

I'm sure you've heard that we're having a Memorial Service for you on Saturday. From what I understand, it can get very busy over there on the Other Side. I wanted to make sure to mention the service now so that you can attend. Will you give us a sign that you are there with us? Let me know what it is and I will look out for it. I'm hoping we can have the service on the beach. I know you've always had a thing for powerful women so I'm sure you're all cozy with Mother Nature now. Maybe you can pull a few strings and get us some sunshine?

I still think about how much I would have loved to say good-bye to you, Dad. I know in my head that you left us knowing you were loved and I know you are feeling our pain as we miss you. My heart still aches for that one last anything though. A hug, a cup of coffee at my table, a holiday together. I know you live on in our hearts and I know you can watch my children grow, but how can I be sure they will know you?

I've been listening to your music a lot lately. I am so grateful for your voice, Dad. Couldn't you have thrown in an "Anna" every once in a while though? We have some of your recording sessions on CD now. Mom copied them for us. I'm beginning to label them with things like "Dad's laugh" and "Dad breathing." Maybe that is morbid in some way, but I just don't want to forget those sounds. Your voice is part of me now, Dad. Thank you for leaving behind the tools I'll need to make sure my children know you. They say the funniest things like, "Papaw is already dead! Why do we have to have a party for him?" That was Alexander. All the way to school the other day he and Sophia talked about how dead you are. Last night I heard Alexander saying to James, "we all miss Papaw, especially Mommy." I hope I'm not traumatizing them with my tears!

Someone asked me if I was okay yesterday. It took me two hours to answer because I didn't know what to say (the question came via text so I could take my time, even Mom is texting now!). I am okay Dad. I guess I'm holding on to the possibility that I'm not okay, just in case I crack or something... But the truth is, I am okay. I am okay and I am a wreck. I know you are with me and I miss you desperately. I want to celebrate making it to this milestone because everyone said the first year without you would be the hardest, but I dread it too because the hard part is all I know now and I'm afraid of what's to come. I know you know this, Dad, but I have to say it: If I'm okay and if I move forward, like I feel myself being pulled to do, it doesn't mean I love you any less or I miss you any less. I think I can let my grief go, gradually, without letting you go. I can hear you now. You're nodding your head with your sweet loving smile and you're saying, "Far out, Anna. That is far out."

Well, I better go pack the car now. And, well, pack my bag?!

Take care Dad! I will look forward to having you with us on Saturday.

I love you!
xoxo Love,
Anna

My dad in Leland MI, Summer 2009