August 21st

Twelve years ago today, my mother passed away.

Six years ago today, my father passed away.

I will always miss them.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today would have been my Dad's 83rd birthday.

This is one of my favorite pictures from when I was little. Sadly, the photo has seen better days, but I still love it.

I couldn't have asked for a better dad. I still miss him, and I'm sure I always will.

A Letter to My Parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

Today, August 21st, is the anniversary of the day that both of you died - Mom, you on August 21, 1999, and Dad, you on August 21, 2005.  I still miss you both very much.

Mom, you have been gone for 10 years.  In some ways, it seems inconceivable that you have been gone that long.  But, it also seems like you have been gone so long that you are only a distant memory.  That makes me sad.  I do remember your frequent phone calls.  Back then I sometimes thought you called too frequently, but how I wish I could hear your voice one more time.  I remember going out to dinner with you at JoJos.  Chris and you and I would bravely take the eight grandkids over there to eat.  At the time, seven of them were under the age of 8.  We were always amazed at just how quickly our food made it to the table!  I remember how you loved to watch your grandkids play.  Your physical problems made it hard for you to play with them, but you were always happy when you could just watch them play together.

Dad, you have been gone for 4 years.  My memories of you are fresher, but they are also fading.  I remember your infrequent phone calls.  I would answer the phone, and you would say, “Laura.  This is your father speaking.”  Like I wouldn’t have recognized your voice.  I remember going to eat with you at your favorite restaurant - The Stables.  They made great steaks, and, more important as far as you were concerned, they made an excellent extra dry martini!  I remember how proud you were of your grandkids.  You enjoyed them when they were small, but you truly enjoyed them as they got older and could really talk to you.  You lived long enough to see Kimberly graduate from Texas A&M, and I know that thrilled you.  Your grandkids have all inherited your love for education.  They are making you proud!

Mom and Dad, I miss you.  But I take great joy in knowing that two years ago we did your work for you in the temple.  Chris and I were able to be sealed to you.  I hope that you have accepted that work so that we can be an eternal family.

I will be thinking about you today.   

Love,

Laura