My dad

On October 9, my dad would have celebrated his 73rd birthday.

John Lennon was born on October 9 too. My dad always used to tell us, "Did you know John Lennon shared my birthday?!"   Every year we could count on him saying he wished he was as famous as John!

Oh, but dad, to us you were memorable. 

My siblings and I have strong work ethics. All thanks to our dad. He made us work our butts off. Lazy would never do. We are grateful to him for instilling this very important value. He showed us by example what it meant to work hard.

Here's a picture of my dad chillin' with my daughter.

Here he is as a young lad with the family dog, Shep. My Aunt Lil and my dad were inseparable.

I love this photo of my dad. It sits on my desk. It was taken in Germany. He was so thrilled to be able to be there when my twin nephews were born.

Life stinks sometimes. Really stinks. I remember everything about the day my dad died. It was so not fair. He was just 54 years old. I cried for months. Maybe even years. It all was such a shock. I think about him a lot. I can't help it. What if he would have lived? I hit the replay button in my mind because I don't want to forget the last time I saw him.
My sister and I were going to an event and we happened to stop by our family home. Dad was there and we laughed and talked. Before we left I remember distinctively telling him I loved him. I'm so grateful I did. It would be the last time I would see him alive.

I have no regrets. Such peace in that.

My heart aches for all those suffering from the unimaginable acts of evil displayed by one very sick individual this past week.

It seems so surreal.
I know for sure that  those families grieving just want their loved ones back. There are no words.

I don't know what to do except to pray for peace. My heart continues to be with those hurting in Las Vegas.