The week isn’t technically over, but it feels like I’m coming to the end of a very difficult week. As I wrote earlier this week, the 13th was the 2-year anniversary of my mother’s passing. Today, the 16th, is the 2-year anniversary of the day my dad left this earth to join her. Yes, they both passed within just a few days of each other.

My dad was a man who loved his family. He loved to plan roadtrips and vacations. They’d just purchased an RV (in the photo above) about a year before they passed, and had planned to go on loads of trips. He graduated from Notre Dame University in South Bend Indiana and played in the marching band and was obsessed with Notre Dame football. He loved to travel to games all over the country, and even went to Ireland to watch Notre Dame play. He also loved music. He could play the guitar, piano, and tuba. He and my mom enjoyed going to all sorts of concerts together. Everytime I hear The Beatles, it reminds me of the both of them.

I had wanted to write a lovely poem today as a tribute, but I’m emotionally tapped out at this point in the week. All I can say is that I truly loved both my parents. I feel fortunate to have been raised by them.

Since poetic words fail me today, and I’m unable to write a poem in tribute to my dad on this sad day, let me just say this: I miss you, Dad. We’re still cheering for Notre Dame and listening to The Beatles. We love you.