6 Months

Why do we consider 6 months such a significant milestone? "We've been dating for 6 months." "It's our 6 month anniversary." "The baby is 6 months old today."

"My dad has been gone for 6 months."

I miss my dad every day. I think I miss him even more as my children grow. My parents were always the first people I called to tell something to. I still have an instinct to pick up the phone and say "Ryan said a new word" or "Katie is walking". Now I say "Poppy would be so proud of you".
Some days are better than others. On the "not so better days", I talk a lot about my dad to the kids. I read books he bought for them. My dad inscribed something in each book he gave them.















This is written inside a book called
The Grandpa Book by Todd Parr

Dear Ryan & Kaitlyn,
Someone asked me once what grandpas do. When I saw
this book I knew it would tell you everything.
Poppy Richie
















This is from one of my favorite books called
I Already Knew I Loved You by Billy Crystal

To Ryan & Kaitlyn
I got this book while you both were still in mommy's tummy. It tells you of all the things I thought about and couldn't wait to do.
All my Love
Poppy

It saddens me to think I remember that day 6 months ago in more detail than I remember other days I shared with my father. Sometimes when I lay in bed at night I can vividly recall the moments of his death or his funeral. Sometimes, even 6 months later, not believing this is all real. Always wishing it was my dad who could be telling my children how proud he is of them, always wishing it was my dad reading those stories to his grandchildren.

"My dad has been gone for 6 months."