Twelve Long years....

I had woken up early on Sunday, the 12th, for whatever reason. I think the dogs had been walkin around on the bed. And, the days before, I kept thinking about this morning. And the memories it had. I was laying there....and remembered back twelve years....

It was Homecoming weekend 1996. Most of my siblings had come home for the weekend, though not for homecoming. I was trying to be a normal teenager, out having fun with my friends and cousin, playin and tryin not to get in trouble driving under age. Friday night, my cousin and I went to visit another friend. Somewhere in the midst of it, an ambulance drove by, with the sirens on. Celine Dion was in the Cd player. (weird thing to remember) and the whole truth about my dad hit me all at once. Finally, after a few months of trying to be strong and pretend my life was still the same, I burst into tears. I cried and cried...knowing and realizing, and possibly accepting my dad was going to die.

I went home later that night....and spent a little time with my family that was there....and after saying good night, went to sleep.....only to be awakened, early that Saturday morning, the 12th of October, to the news dad had passed. Now this is just a small portion of the story.....and its a story that is slowly fading from my mind. Twelve years ago, I lost my father to that awful C word! The same word that took my mom as well. Grrrr.....But the memories of them are still there.

I know I posted this picture earlier, but I had not been able to get another picture of him on my computer. They are all hard copies.

Since I lacked a variety of pics, I just picked a few.

This is a picture of my mom back in the day my dad married her....or at least there abouts:)

This is who is left! From left to right, my brother Scott, Sisters Leisel, (me) Angie and Marnie. This was actually taken at my mom's services. We sure have been through a lot, but I love remembering the acts of service and the love people showed our family. Especially after dad left us. As the child....you don't realize how cool your parents are. It's an interesting thing to see them from the communities perspective. Thank you to everyone who offered your love and support. Your comforting words and shoulders. Again, my parents were the coolest! It has been 12 years since I've had my dad......3 1/2 since mom passed! It feels like forever!