Today also marks the day my dad passed away 14 years ago! It's so crazy it's been that long.. I still remember sitting in my English class....Mrs. Erickson...and I happened to be the one reading out loud. The teacher got a phone call and informed me I was going home for the rest of the day.. I looked at my friend Susan who was sitting next to me...to of course rub it in her face...and went on my merry way. My mom met me outside the office...she had sunglasses on and wouldn't look at me...and I just knew. I was 12 and knew my dad died...that's the only thing that came out of my mouth.."dad died huh?" She just nodded and started crying...
The week after was a complete blur. I even remember him "claiming" May 12th as his day to die... My brother passed away May 10, my dad's birthday was May 11, and his grandpa passed away May 13th. He always said that day was reserved for him...who would've thunk it??
I never really had my dad in my life. He was one of those "holiday" dads...and I was lucky if I even saw him during those. He just came back into my life 6 months earlier. He took me to the local fair...came to my one and only basketball game he's ever attended...went to the movies and saw The Matrix...because that was the new big thing....played cards....you know...typical father stuff. It might not seem like a big deal..but for those last 6 months I actually got a glimpse of what it would be like to have a dad. Wow! I missed out!
I went to his house for his birthday the day before but was worn out from basketball practice (or was it volleyball??)...and slept the entire time. I still kick myself in the butt for that. He was so excited my sister Misty made him a steak dinner and a cake. I bought him a white shirt with a Tasmanian devil on it and a wallet!! Typical dad presents! My mom came and picked me up that night. He woke me up. I groggily walked to the door...he said "aren't you going to give me a kiss??" I turned and gave him a sleepwalker's hug and kiss....he said "I love you..." I said it back and that was it.
It's crazy how I can barely remember last week but those couple months are vivid in my memories....at least he left on a good note..
I truly believe God gave him a chance to come back and make his peace with everyone before departing... He even gave my mom closure. I mean..how many people get the chance to do that??
He had a very unhealthy lifestyle....hence the fact he died the day after he turned 43! That scares me. That's only 16 years away from me now!! I shall not have heart disease! I don't want to eat myself into a grave (as I'm engorging myself with those monster chocolate covered strawberries...c'est la vie).
Here's a picture of us at my sister's birthday party when I was 4...the only picture I have of me and him!! I think that's why I take an overly excessive amount of pictures of Maxson...I always have the thought this could be his last picture with so and so.... The first thing people do when someone dies is search for pictures they have with that person...I just want him to have options :)))
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