In case you noticed my absence...

**Brian K** · 1st March 11, 03:47 PM

Today Dad would have been 76 years old

. I usually plan what I'm going to wear to work several days ahead. Without thinking of today's date I planned on wearing green. Green was Dad's favorite color. Funny how things work out like that sometimes.

**davidlpope** · 1st March 11, 04:09 PM

My prayers are with you today.

**Brian K** · 1st March 11, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

My prayers are with you today.

Thank you,sir. It has been easier today than I thought it might be. I spoke to my mother this morning and it seems that the my memories of Dad cause me much more joy than pain. At first it was exactly the opposite,but I suppose the grieving is nearly over.

He was a good man and he is sorely missed. I am better for having him in my life. At the funeral I told Mom that if she had to have picked a second dad for me she could not have made a better choice!

Regards,

Brian

**troxel87** · 1st March 11, 05:45 PM

I'm raising a glass right now for a man that had a very obviously full and rewarding life.

I'm sorry for your loss, but I will celebrate with you in spirit the life your dad led.

I, too, am in the same shoes you wore with your step father. As for the circumstance, I will quote a quote I have long loved: "Any man can be a father, but it takes a very special man to be a Dad." In my opinion, there aren't many greater men that would take a son that is not his son and raise him as his own.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this day.

**longhuntr74** · 1st March 11, 06:54 PM

Brian,
I did notice your absence my friend. I had thought to send you a PM at some point to ask where you have been...though I can't remember offhand if I did or just meant to but got sidetracked. If I didn't, my apologies...but know that I had noticed you were missing.

Regarding your sad news...I offer my sincere condolences. My mother died of cancer in 2004 at the age of 57...so I have some sense of the loss you have experienced. It is great to hear that there was a proper turnout by the community of Sandy Creek for your Dad ("step" omitted on purpose). May you continue in the healing process and know peace of both heart and mind.

...and welcome back!!

Your friend,
Jeff