Broken Hearted

Our most recent picture together! This may have even been on his birthday, my birthday is the day after so we were able to spend our birthdays together.

My favorite picture of my dad!!!

Another favorite picture and memory!

I was more than broken hearted the day I received the call that my father had been killed in a plane crash earlier in the day. You can NEVER prepare for a call like that or everything that follows. It is still odd to think that he is not in this life with me anymore. I am so grateful for the precious relationship that I had with him. We were so very close always, especially when I was young. I was his only little girl and we did many things together that I have such fond memories of. I loved the endless times of riding horses, ice fishing, shooting guns, hug bear hugs, his strong voice, but mostly the fact that I have always been able to be myself and share anything with him. He was a man that experienced many things in his lifetime and made a better life for himself than the generation before him.

We snapped this family picture before my dads funeral.

Some favorite pictures that we wanted to have.

Since he was a Marine he had a Military Salute, they fired off rounds, had a flag ceremony, and then a fly-by above. Very, very touching!

Since he was a very unique man, we found a more suitable casket for him. This was handmade and just beautiful. It had hand carved animals and trees and special touches to it that really were for fitting for the kind of person my dad was.

My family, minus Travis, plus one of my brothers and his son and my cousin who came from Oregon. Other cousins came from southern California to support and say goodbye to their favorite Uncle.

Some old buddies were there to lend support, Gwynn, Kelly, and Janice. They were all so thoughtful in all that they did to help us through this awful time. Kelly is one of the best friends I have ever had, we just pick up where we left off whether it has been 2 months or 6 years. Janice worked at the church that we had the service at and was able to record the whole funeral for us. Thank you so much for a treasured friendship always girls.

We all thought that this arrangement was the cutest of all. We later found out that it was from a very special family that designed this just for my dad. So sweet.

Loosing a parent unexpectedly has been one of my greatest sorrows. I truly loved my dad and always will think of him and miss him. He has left a huge void in my families lives and will be missed greatly. I know the grandkids were all very effected by this, it was so heartbreaking to watch them grieve.

We did have a conversation about a year ago that went something like this.

Dad "Well, most of my friends my age are either dead or in a home being taken care of like they are a baby again."

Kelly " Well what should we do when you're in that situation dad?"

Dad "Kell, you have my permission to put me down if I start pooping my pants! I just don't want to be around anymore if I have lost all my dignity!"

Of course we both had a great laugh over that but honestly he wasn't the kind of man that would have liked a life like that.

He was 73 years old and still worked, driving the Start Bus in the winter and towing gliders and delivering planes all summer and fall and cutting and delivering wood to people in town. He had a great sense of humor as we found out how much he messed with some of the people that spoke at his funeral. Of course we all think that we needed a little bit more time with people that have passed away but unfortunately we don't get to choose when they are taken. I truly hope that he is a happy man and found some peace now that he is with our Savior. I'm so very thankful to have had him as my dad and in my life! Definately makes me think about taking more time to spend time with the people that really matter to me the most!

Could sure use one of those bear hugs about now! Miss you Dad!!