This is just one of the MANY photos I have taken since Dad's passing. He bought my first 35 mm camera for me when I was 17 and I quickly learned to love photography as much a s he did. Back then, it was quite expensive and I was unable to continue at the time. For Christmas last year, my one and only wish for a great camera so that I could finish what I started years ago. Dad was my inspiration and not a moment goes by that I don't think of him when I am looking through my lens. I see what he saw.....the natural beauty in this world that so many of us overlook. Thank you, Dad.....

When our sweet Ashley became diagnosed with leukemia here in AZ, I thought that was the end of her life because I could not think of other options. Luckily, Russ called St Jude in Memphis and let them know the situation. They were more than welcoming to our family and wanted to help Ashley. LeBoehners Childrens Hospital had a private jet (made into an ambulatory jet with a full medical staff) available and sent it to my baby girl as soon as possible. 

Although, we had not been as close as I had wished for a while, the first thing I remember about that landing was seeing my Daddy's face and just fell into a hug and began to cry. There is no love like the one between a Father and Daughter. No person can ever take that love away from me either.  Russ was there as well and I was blessed to see family.

I know this may not seem like a "story" to some but watching my Dad and Daughter fight cancer with all they had makes me feel like sharing. I still remember that day like it was yesterday and how in the near future, Dad and I began to have a real relationship back again.

I want to say thank you Daddy for being who you were and I know that you are taking wonderful care of my sweet little girl. Hugs and kisses sent to heaven. xoxo

Just looking at this big smile on Dad's face brings back wonderful memories. My Dad rocked me to sleep as often as possible until I was probably 8 or 9 years old. Yes, he spolied me and yes, I loved every minute of it. Some may say he spoiled me a little too much but I think a parent can never spoil a child too much.....at least not when it is pure love.

I look at this picture and see so much love between my Mom and Dad and the way they felt about me. No one can ever take that away from me and this is the way I remember my Dad the most. Loving and caring.....

My heart aches for him more and more as time goes on and I realize he is not physcally here but I feel him spiritually. During the tough times, I know he's with me and keeping me calm.... <3

I recall, while living in Batesville MS out in the country, a very nasty storm that Dad and I witnessed. It was late at night and we had all been watching movies.

As usual, my Mom and brother fell asleep but Dad and I were up late. There had been reports of bad weather and "possible" tornadoes headed our way but that was not unusual in our area.

All of a sudden, Dad and I heard what I can only describe as a freight train coming towards our house! We had been through storms before but we both knew this was different.

We tried to wake Mom and Russ but neither one would budge. We contemplated on whether or not we should get in the bathtub but decided against it.

We were both a little too curious and wanted to see what was going on outside. We stood in the kitchen and watched our own version of The Wizard of Oz as trees and furniture flew past the window!

It was crazy to watch and one of those times that we knew we should have taken cover but could not move. We were both stunned and the noise became louder and louder. Once the wind died down, we went outside to investigate the damage.

Oh my!! There were huge trees literally twisted from the root and luckily landed away from the house. Somehow, we all managed to have no injuries but the house was a little beat up.

It was just one of those things that I remember only Dad and I witnessed and I must say I will never forget it. My Dad was brave and he helped me learn to be brave too.

A couple of years ago, Dad was having problems with his blood pressure and was worried about it. Every time he noticed something abnormal, he would think it was because of his blood pressure.

One day, he came home and noticed a blue line on his forehead that looked like a vein and told his wife Grace that he thought something was terribly wrong and he needed to go to the emergency room.

They went to the hospital and they immediately pulled him back into a room and started checking to make sure nothing serious was going on. Once all their tests had been completed and they were unable to find out what was wrong, they admitted him for further tests.

A young doctor came into his room (an intern) and looked at his forehead and said he had never seen anything like that and he was going to have to wait for the attending physician to look at it.

A few minutes later, another doctor came in and looked at his forehead and said "I think I may know what this is". Dad said, "what... what is it".

The doctor reached over and grabbed some gause and soaked it with  some alcohol then wiped Dad's forehead, at which point the blue line dis-appeared. Grace looked on in amazement as Dad asked "what, what happened". When the doctor said he had wiped it from his head, it suddenly dawned on Dad what had happened.

He had gone to wash the car that day, and apparently some of the soap from the car wash dripped onto Dad's forehead. Dad swore it wasn't anything like that because he was unable to wipe it off when he first noticed it.

When they went to the hospital, Grace called me (his son) and told me that she thought something really bad was happening with Dad. I was naturally concerned and told her to call me back as soon as they found out what was happening. She later called me and it sounded like she was crying. Needless to say, I was concerned .....

until I realized she was actually laughing so hard she could barely talk.