All The Things

I was trying to come up with a title for this one, and after several unsuccessful attempts, I settled on one that covers everything. First, this beautiful couple, our firstborn and her Nicolas, are celebrating their fifth anniversary today! I have always told my kids that God knows who your person is long before you do. Madison's person is an amazing, caring, loving, handsome young man who grew up across the ocean in Denmark. God brought them together, and we couldn't be happier!

I am happy to be a morning person, and this is why.

This week, we lost an amazing country music artist, Toby Keith, and have been playing his songs on repeat every day. If you are unfamiliar with Toby Keith, and even if you are not currently a country music fan, look up the song he wrote after 9/11. It is called Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue. 

Peyton and Chris had us all for dinner last night. I smiled when I saw her table. I remember setting the table like that when my kids were young. It is a fun little thing that Peyton remembers from her childhood, and isn't that just every mom's wish? She made veal chop parmigiana, and we had chocolate fondue for dessert! 

Inserting a picture of a super sweet pup enjoying some afternoon sun because who doesn't want to see that?

Finally, tomorrow marks ten years since my wonderful dad passed. Ten years. I am sharing the post I wrote that day for anyone who doesn't yet know this remarkable man. 

I Just Wanted You To Know

My Father died today. The man that knew me before I knew myself...the man that gave me life...He died today. And I wanted you to know. I wanted you to know that his name was William Joseph. He was 79 years old and he was my dad.

He had jet-black hair that only got peppered with grey. He had dark skin that I wish I had too. He was funny. Really funny. He loved my mother. So very much. He loved his 5 daughters and all his grandchildren too.

My dad loved rigatoni with meatballs. And a cold Straub beer. He loved to sleep. He loved to read the paper and watch Judge Judy. My dad hated peanut butter. I never saw him eat a peanut butter sandwich. Ever. He loved to watch Pittsburgh Steeler football and Pittsburgh Pirate baseball.

My dad dressed like a gentleman. He wore dress pants and ironed shirts every day. He wore a white undershirt and carried a white folded hankie in his pocket every day. He never wore shorts. Ever. I saw him swim in the ocean once. He took my Madison in and a wave knocked them over. He always remembered that, and so does she.

My father loved The Blessed Mother. He and my mother traveled to Fatima once, and brought us all back the most beautiful rosaries. My dad taught me to love our Blessed Mother too.

My dad drove me to my first job interview and waited in the car for me all morning long. He told me I would get the job and he was right. My dad stopped at the school one day when I was teaching and walked through the playground to the open window and said hello to my whole class.

My dad called me "Little Buddy". He smiled in his eyes. He used Ivory soap and Colgate toothpaste. He always smelled clean. He always looked nice.

My father's name was William Joseph. He was born in his house on a January day in 1935. He grew up and married a beautiful redhead he called "Queenie". He had 5 daughters and owned his own business. He loved his job. He loved his wife. He loved his children, and his grandchildren too. He had a happy life.

My father was a wonderful man. I will miss him every single day for the rest of my life. I will miss his voice and his laugh. I will miss making chicken cacciatore and pumpkin cake for him. I will miss calling him on the phone. I will miss the love between him and my mother. I will miss my dad.

A wonderful man went to Heaven today. His father and mother welcomed him home. I rejoice for him and mourn for me...and my dear mother and my sweet sisters. The world goes on around us. But my father died today. And I just wanted you to know.

It's funny. Ten years. Yet, I can still hear his voice in my head. Or it maybe in my heart. Either way, I carry him with me each and every day. 

Have a lovely weekend, my friends. I am so thankful to have this place with so many wonderful people that allows us to share the good times, the bad, the happy, and the not-so-happy. Enjoy your weekend plans, and good luck to all who have a favorite in the big game on Sunday! I'll be watching and rooting for a good game and even better food and commercials!

Billie Jo