Stopping down to the mausoleum today, it was so cold my fingers were close to being numb, but no matter what, it was Thanksgiving AND your birthday this year, so nothing was going to stop me.

Standing there and reading to you, I didn't notice the cold as much as I should have, I guess I was too consumed with reading to you on this special day.

I put the wreath and flowers there; no cake this year, someone stole it from the wreath last year.  Such a shame, but I like to think maybe you took it to heaven with you. :)

I took a picture of Alan and his cat today at their house, and I got the strangest thing in it.  It wasn't light outside, at least not light enough to cause it; there was nothing beside Alan when I took the picture, so I have no clue what it was.  I just like to think maybe it was you showing us that you're still there.

Anyway, Happy Birthday to you, we all miss your laughter, your stories, and your jokes, but I know you weren't able to do any of that in the months before you passed   I also know you hated that, so I'm so happy that now you can laugh, run, and joke around all you want in Heaven, and I'm glad of that.

HAPPY 86TH BIRTHDAY, DAD, AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING.  WE LOVE YOU.  

I went to visit you yesterday and as you know, I walked around to the corner of the mauseleom where you're at...and then jumped out and said "surprise".  I hope you were, I could just imagine you laughing, and then putting the wreath in the ground, along with the cake that Breanne and I had made last year, I sang Happy Birthday to you...I couldn't imagine your birthday without it.  

I knew, despite how cold it was, and the sun not shining in the area where you're at, I had to read one chapter out of Lonesome Dove for you, I promised you I would and I swear, I'll finish the book, just as I told you when you were passing.

I started the chapter, and as I was reading, I noticed I was warming up, some, and realized the sun was shining right down on me.  I couldn't believe it..it was just like you were giving me a hug and knew I needed it.  Thank you so much for being there, and letting me know that you are always listening, guiding, and just being you.  

Sometimes I just wish I could have one more call, or just one more story, but I know I'll have to wait, and you know what? It better be one heck of a story!   I'm sure it will be, you always told such good ones.  Even Brande was commenting on your stories today. 

I love you, Dad, and will never ever forget the things you taught me..the love you gave me, and especially how you taught me to laugh and enjoy life.  Thank you for the "hug" today, I needed it, and I hope you know I sent one back.

Happy Birthday....until we see one another again.  I love you! 

My Dad still "comes around" by sending me bluebirds in so many different ways...for example I was doing an online search for Kim Smith and there were tons of them with photos of her, and one picture of a bird...and of all birds, it was a bluebird..the very bird my Dad loved.  I couldn't believe there was a bluebird on an image search of Kim Smith.  What does a bluebird have to do with Kim Smith?

Well, apparently Kim Smith takes photos and one of the photos she did was of a bluebird which she happened to place on her site.  What a beautiful way for Dad to continue to send me signs that he's still around.

Then I went into town and there on a counter was a Sunflower, and then today, too, I looked up and there were 3 BIG sunflowers up on a wall.  Dad's favorite flowers were sunflowers.  It's just surprising to me that I continue to get all sorts of signs from him that he's still around us, but then again, I shouldn't be.  He was always there for us, no matter what, that's the kind of Dad he was, and still is.  

Though I miss his "physical" presence, I know he's around me and helping me and us, through this.  Thank you Dad, I love you, you are the BEST Dad ever!