Thanks, Dad

On Christmas Day in 1975, my father lost his battle to brain cancer. I don't remember the holiday season that year, nor do I remember my birthday which follows a week afterwards. For many Christmases after that I could not bear to have a tree in my home, it brought back too many sad memories. Years of grieving and healing helped me to realize this is not what Dad would have wanted, and while there will always be a twinge on Christmas day, I can fully celebrate the season now.
The reason I bring all this up is because my annual visit to California was particularly poignant. Maybe it was all the new babies in the family, or the fact that we had almost everyone gathered around the table, but during our annual family crab feed Dad entered my mind and I swear he clearly suggested we go visit his gravesite. I suggested he help me remember to ask as I'm quite forgetful.
On Saturday all us women do our annual Christmas shopping together and have lunch. It's a tradition we've treasured for over 20 years. At one of the huge craft fairs there was a barbershop quartet singing. Dad was in a barbershop quartet. Which reminded me of Dad's suggestion. I mentioned it to my sister and asked her to privately ask Mom if she was up to it. The reply came back that it would be good. So after our shopping was done and lunch eaten we drove to the other side of town to where Dad was buried.
The weather was beautiful, blue skies and in the 70's - typical California weather. Mom led us to his marker and I must say I've forgotten what a beautiful job she did designing it. On the marker with his name, birth and death dates was a beautiful cross and the Easter lily. My Redeemer Lives - his favorite hymn - was the inspiration for the marker.
My daughter Kimberly had never been to this place. I was surprised to see that she too was moved to tears at the sight of her grandfather's marker. Oh, how he would have adored her. She would have been the perfect foil to his wicked sense of humor. They would have played off of each other beautifully. I told her so. We exchanged some memories, hugged and tears were shed. But in the end, it was a beautiful ending to a lovely day.
I was so glad for the suggestion.
Thanks, Dad. I miss you.