Dear Dad,

As the holiday season approaches, I always think of you, I try to remember what it was like having you around for Christmas. It's been nine years without, which means nine Christmas's without you with us. It's hard putting up your stocking when we decorate the house or seeing the ornaments that you once loved up on the tree. We miss seeing your face around the Christmas tree when we open gifts or talking to you at Christmas dinner about life. At first, it was hard not having you here with us, but we've come to the conclusion that you'll always be with us in spirit. We will never stop hanging your stocking on the mantle and we'll never let our memories of you disappear.

I used to love having you around for the holiday's because you were always so happy and joyful. You loved the satisfaction of giving us our gifts on Christmas because you truly loved watching our faces light up from happiness. I miss watching movies and eating holiday cookies with you, we always seemed to have a great time doing the simple things in life. You took us to see Elf when it first came out, which to me was one holiday season that I'll never forget. Going to the movies and seeing that with you is a memory that I try so hard to hold on to. Although, as we get older those memories fade away, I try to remember the little things we did, but sometimes it's too hard.

Towards the end of your time, Christmas got harder, we had to plan out when we would visit you in the hospital which was always tough for us as a family. I know you wanted to be home in your pj's with us hanging out around the Christmas tree, but it was too much for you body to handle. Those times spent at the hospital were hard, but we always made the best of it. You always put our needs first over yours which is something I will never forget about you. You were always willing to drop everything just for us because that's the kind of person you were. I may not remember all the times we spent together, but I'll never forget how generous and thoughtful you were as a person.

I miss you so much dad, we miss seeing your glowing face around the holiday season. We miss hearing your laughter and voice, we miss it all. Your death made us a stronger family, it made us realize that together we are strong individuals who can conquer anything that life throws at us. You gave me the courage to never let anything get in my way and to just keep pushing forward, you only wanted the best for us. Words can't describe how much I miss you, and this time of year is never easy for us as a family. Just know that you'll always be in my heart and that every time I see a bluebird I'll think of you.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas up in heaven daddy, enjoy those cookies and coffee because Lord only knows how much you love them.

Sincerely,

Your Daughter