Remembering Dads
Tonight I got off the phone with my dad after telling him late Happy Father’s Day and told him I loved him. For the past two Father’s Day I get especially teary eyed, not only because I have a great dad because this day is particularly hard for family members who have lost their fathers themselves.
In the Spring of 2008, my husband’s father passed away after battling cancer for the third time in just three years. We’ve had alot of ups and downs in a short time with Barney being diagnosed with cancer, being declared cancer free, cancer a second time and having his voicebox removed, learning that Greg & I were pregnant, giving birth to our little girl, and being diagnosed with cancer a third time. Our family and Barney fought very hard and sadly he died just a couple hours before his first appointment at MD Anderson. The picture you see above is the only picture we have with him and Ryleigh, and it’s one of my only regrets. Take a picture as a family and those you love. Spend time with them and let them know you love them.
It was extremely early that Spring morning of 2008, and I was scheduled to fly to the corporate office in Chicago later that morning when we got the call. Greg’s Aunt, Sister, and Mom were in Houston, TX with Barney, while Greg was home playing Mr. Mom while I planned to go out of town. That morning and day are really nothing more than a blur, and as we heard the news Greg rushed to Ryleigh’s bedroom then only 4 months old and held her in his arms sobbing and screaming. Even now a little over a year later, I am still brought to tears thinking of that day and probably will for many years to come.
So many stories and such an amazing man. Barney was more than generous and made the nearly 6 hour trip to the Lake of the Ozarks where I owned a house to help repair my leaking roof and install a new vanity in my bathroom. Extremely giving and generous especially since I had only been dating Greg for less than 5 months.
And when we made the decision to move to Oklahoma to be closer to family, Greg’s dad was more than happy to take us in and help us move all while I sold my house and we contemplated building another. Barney rescued me and towed my car when I totaled my Escort and even drove 2 hours to pick us up after an unfortunate accident with a shredded tractor trailer tire (not my fault).
And yesterday when we made our way to gravesite I tried really hard. Tried hard to be strong for Greg and our now 18 month little girl. Remembering my father and Greg’s and how important being a father and having a special one really is.
Remembering my father, my husband, and my father-in-law Barney–all very special men in my life. Remembering dads.
