We spent a week in California this month and it was such a blessing to me.
I was partially dreading it because I thought being around all of my Dad’s family would make me acutely aware of him missing. Although I did feel a bit of that, it wasn’t the empty feeling I had expected. I knew he was gone but I felt so close to him, staying in his childhood room and imagining what he would say in conversation. I could just picture him smiling proudly as he showed Royal off. He loved being Papa. It was like he was made alive again with the stories we shared and the love that we all have for him. The whole experience was healing.
I wish more than anything that he could be with us, but I am so thankful for the bonds of family that live on in his absence. I know he was smiling that whole week while looking down on us.
The Dear Adventure 