Away from home makes it easier....and harder

Keith and I would usually see my dad out and about the town at least once a week. This week is our church festival, and we would have had an evening supporting the church. He usually would buy, and then take home something after playing a few games of bingo or chuck-a-luck.
We are in San Diego, so I am no seeing him everywhere which is easier, but as I watched my niece and nephews play for the 2 weeks, I cry because he isn't here to see them. I had great memories of my grandfather, and it's sad they won't know him.
One of my best pictures is the one with him holding a 1 year old Graham as Carson, Mila, and Margot climbed around and over him. He laughed which, knowing my dad was a big statement to his enjoying hat moment.

Birthday memory of Diamond

My dad was usually hard to buy gifts for in the later years. He usually appreciated treats, notre dame shirts, and other items he didn't always buy for himself. While he took Keith and I out to Morton's for dinner, we usually took him to Max and Erma's or Texas Roadhouse. Over the years, cell phones, towels, a tv, luggage, etc. There were a couple years we took him to a Pirate game...once with the all you can eat tickets and once in the club seats. That was a real treat for all of us...more comfortable seats, inside seats to get cooled off, great choices for food. We had a fun time treating him and enjoying the game outside. I think those were great birthday presents cause he had company on his birthday.

Why this memory? Because today would have been Diamond's 77th birthday. Happy day...RIP! Dad.

Grand Canyon

I remember when my brother first moved to Phoenix. Dad decided to do a long trip out west and drive around sightseeing...Sedona, Grand Canyon, etc. He rented a car and planned out where to stay, took the time for pictures, watching shows, and taking in the beauty God made.

When I picked him up at the airport, he just kept telling me I needed to plan a trip to see it. When Keith and I traveled out here to visit, we kept saying we should, we should. Finally, this year, even before dad's death, we were going to go.

And, we did. In honor of the man who never stopped speaking of the majesty of God's world. It was amazing, breath-taking, and sad. We left an alumni commemorative coin from Notre Dame on a rock ledge where it will remain forever. It said God, Country, Notre Dame and had the dome on the other side. We left it for Diamond. Go with God.