Today was my first Father’s Day without any of the men whom I saw as father figures in life. My Papa (my dad’s father), my Grandfather (my mom’s dad), my Uncle Clifton (my mom’s brother and my Godfather) and my father-in-law and father have all passed. I like to think they are relaxing and enjoying their enteral reward in the heaven.

I try not to be sad; I try to remember the good times we shared and the advice they gave me that helped me grow into the person I am today. I am thankful I still have one great-uncle, and three uncles left. I am also thankful that I have a loving husband who is a good daddy to our cats and daddy to children he didn’t have to be. Hopefully, one day we will have kids of our own.

This year was the first year I could not call my Dad or spend the day with him, for he passed away suddenly in August of 2016. When I think about past Father’s Days, I remember ones where we went swimming or at the zoo together, cards I sent him and phone calls we shared. Our relationship was not perfect, but he was and is still my dad, and I love him and miss him.

So this Father’s Day I hope all my friends call their fathers, grandfathers, uncles or whoever was an important male role model in their lives. As we all grow and get busy with our adult lives and families, we often assume our parents are going to be around forever. If there is one thing I have learned from the passing of so many great men in mylife, communicate with them regularly – let them know you love them and that you are thankful for the role they played in your life.

This was the last picture of my father and I; it was taken at my wedding in 2014.   It shows the love we had for each other and it is a picture I will always treasure.