Daddy's Girl

This time of year always brings me to a place of reflection on life, on loss. It's really weird how much I miss my Daddy, and how missing him makes me miss so many others. I was always a Daddy's girl, still am, really...just not sure where my pedestal went. ;) I loved whatever my Daddy loved. I would do anything he thought I should do (as evidenced by this picture....gross!)

My goal in life was to make him proud, and really, that's still one of my goals. It's really weird to think that he has been gone for fifteen years. It's hard to even type that because it makes his absence seem more real. It's amazing how quickly time flies, and yet how it sometimes feels like I was saying good-bye yesterday. The amazing thing I have learned from death is the purpose of life...of really living...of realizing how fragile life is and embracing life as a gift.

Each year as November (which I sarcastically refer to as "Sweet November") comes, I often dread the days as they pass, knowing that the 22nd marks a milestone in my life...one I'd really rather not have experienced, and yet, I am reminded of the amazing blessings this great hurt has afforded me. It's remarkable to look back and see the Lord's provision for me, not just that first year, but all fifteen since then, and I am confident it will continue. And though November makes me sad, it also brings me great joy to know that I have not only been loved, I have been loved well.

Few people make a significant enough impact on our lives that even years after they're gone you still miss them with every fiber of your being.