Why I don't LOVE February 13th

For me February 13th has nothing to do with buying flowers, jewelry, candy or chocolate. I'm not superstitious so its not the number that bothers me. I also love my wife, so I better get her something for the 14th... This year the 13th isn't even on a Friday so i don't have to worry about scary movies. On February 13th 2003 I lost my Father. Less than 2 months after Graduating College. I felt all alone in the world.

In a time when fathers don't always hold the greatest reputation or even take charge of their role in the family I can really look back and say my dad was a great Father, Dad & Friend. It has taken me a long time to put feelings into words. For one His passing left a huge void in my life. One that could only be filled by the Love of God. My father was the kind of guy who attended every Track meet and every band concert and encouraged me to follow my dreams... even if his dreams for me were a little different. I think he only told me once that he dreamed that I'd follow in his footsteps and go into teaching. But that comment was immediately followed by I love you and I'm proud of you. So, that is what I think about when I think about February 13th. I'm sorry Halmark, but I hold my father in my heart. He is my Valentine. I thought it would get easier to deal with over the years. Instead i think more about all He's missed since he's been gone. The hugs, the laughs, the weddings, births, dinners.. even the big news stories. See I not only live my life in 24 hour chunks of news coverage at work... but i remember the days of my father yelling at the news stories as they were delivered with such confidence by local and national Anchors. This year I'm also thinking about a Friend who recently lost his father. I know his pain right now. That pain isn't at all easy to deal with. But hope His family will find comfort in God. Comfort in knowing that when we are "absent from the body we are present with the Lord." God bless you and may heaven smile upon you.