Celebrating

Dad would have been 78 today. Today, I celebrate him with joy and silliness, with chocolate cake smashed into my face and a nutty grin on as I scoop more ice cream onto my plate, with laughter and love for family. I celebrate him with singing and dancing in the living room to his favorite tunes. I celebrate the life he gave me and the features on my face that prove we're related. I celebrate him with dreams of a future that's better than what he had but honors what he gave. Grief won't let me stop missing him, but I won't let it stop me from celebrating him and having this day of his memory as a happy pause and a celebration of his life. I have extra reason to celebrate this year and feel you always at my side, Dad. (atp)