On June 1st, I was sad. It marked five years since I lost my Dad. We tend to think we have the best Dads ever and I know that most people are incorrect because there can only be so many best Dads and mine was THE BEST DAD ever!! Even as a kid, I knew how special he was. I knew how much he loved me. I knew how lucky I was to have him as my Dad. He was just an amazing guy. After I lost Jeff, he jumped right back into his role as “My Guy”. I remember our last conversation and how difficult it was and healing at the same time. I knew we had to let him know it was ok to leave but how in the world do I do that when I didn’t want him to ever leave?!?! I thought about it, just trying to find the right words. I decided to ask him for a favor. I asked him to give Jeff a big hug for me and let him know I missed him. There was no doubt in my mind that he would gladly do that for me. Jeff was never his son-in-law, he was his Dad even though Jeff was scared of him in the beginning. You know, the Italian Dad thing but as Jeff got to know him, he saw him as his Italian Dad. Anyway, after that I thanked my Dad for everything. I told him he was and always will be My Guy to which he thanked me. And now, he is the owner of one of the holes in my heart.

And now today, it is five years since he moved into his new home at the cemetery. A memory on my FB came up and I am going to share it here. Those of you who knew my Dad are so very lucky to have known him. Those of you who did not, I am so sorry because not only would you have loved him but he would have loved you right back.

So today, Dad moved into his new home. Mom asked if we could all share one story that was special to us about Dad. Picking one was difficult but I felt I picked one that truly showed his nature. When I was in labor with Jeffrey, all I wanted to do was talk to my Dad. Jeff called him and my Dad did exactly what I thought he would. He told me how great I was doing. How proud he was of me. How great it was going to be when we saw the baby. He was always my guy to do that. He calmed me, he let me know things would be ok, he truly was my rock. As I stood and listened to the other stories, I realized how authentic my Dad was. Today was not a matter of us forgetting the bad and placing him on a pedestal now that he is gone. He was an amazing man who was there for others whenever they needed him. Now, most of you know I am a big believer in signs. As I left the cemetery the following song came on. Thanks Dad for being my protector til now and letting me know that you will still continue to do that. I love and miss you with all my heart but I know how lucky I was to have you. Always My Guy

Oh, why you look so sad?

Tears are in your eyes

Come on and come to me now

Don’t be ashamed to cry

Let me see you through

‘Cause I’ve seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you

You don’t know what to do

Nothin’ you confess, could make me love you less

I’ll stand by you, I’ll stand by you

Won’t let nobody hurt you

I’ll stand by you

So, if you’re mad, get mad

Don’t hold it all inside

Come on and talk to me now

Hey, what you got to hide?

I get angry too

Well I’m a lot like you

When you’re standing at the crossroads

And don’t know which path to choose

Let me come along

‘Cause even if you’re wrong

I’ll stand by you, I’ll stand by you

Won’t let nobody hurt you

I’ll stand by you

Take me in, into your darkest hour

And I’ll never desert you

I’ll stand by you

And when, when the night falls on you, baby

You’re feelin’ all alone

You won’t be on your own

I’ll stand by you, I’ll stand by you

Won’t let nobody hurt you

I’ll stand by you

Take me in, into your darkest hour

And I’ll never desert you

I’ll stand by you, I’ll stand by you

Won’t let nobody hurt you

I’ll stand by you