You know it’s weird. I have read so many different times and in so many different places that the first year after the death of someone you love just flies by. And now I’m living it, and they are right, it does fly by at the speed of light.

It’s been a year of mourning and grief. Some days are easier than others. But whatever learned about grief is that it just never goes away. About the time I think I have a handle on it it seems to creep in those cracks and crevices like mold or moss.

I realized that my dad’s death was harder on me than I could ever anticipate and because of that and everything else that’s going on in the world today I need to pause and be still for a while and just take the time to reflect and reassess a few things.

But I do want to remember my dad today – and I would love it if you would remember him with me.

A year ago today at 6:20 am PST my father Chuck left this planet to continue his journey on another plane. Sitting here thinking about him I am remembering the things I’ve been told over the years and would have come to know about him as an adult.

My Dad Chuck was born in North Dakota to a single mom by choice. She was ahead of her time. He would have been 80 last August. He was always Chuck – never Charlie and never ever Charles.

He met my mom in August of 1956, the first time she laid eyes on him he was on a motorcycle being a goofball. I think it was truly love at first sight. He said the first time he saw her he was smitten. In 1958 they married, and in September of 1959 he was drafted in the US Army and boy he was pissed. They are we would take him to Europe where his tour was in Germany.

By 1963 I came along, then in 1966 Lisa came on the scene, followed up by my brother Cris in 1968. I remember the day my brother was born – we were all so excited it was a boy, and our family was complete, and my father exhaled.

Life in our family like most families had its many ups and downs. Dad worked hard and played hard – his business was water and for the rest of his professional life revolved around fresh water irrigation systems, fresh water pumps, and the waste water industry.

He traveled a lot. Alaska was the place he spent the largest amount of his time. I can remember as a kid my mom loading us all in the car and those many trips to the airport waiting at the gate in great anticipation looking for him as he would walk up the gateway into the airport. We would run screaming, leaping into his arms and showering him with hugs and kisses. He was always happy to see us – but he was never home very long. Before we know it it was time to take him to the airport he was off on another adventure.

He and mom lived in their house on the lake for 27 years. So many memories are wrapped up in that house. Dad was an avid hunter and fisherman in his younger years. He really loved to travel and was a great photographer. What he really became was the most amazing cook ever. We would regularly exchange emails full of recipes. And any time I had a question about food he was my go to guy.

Dad loved to read, he loved historical novels and anything to do with World War II. I don’t think he was ever without a book. For as tough and crusty as he could be he had a heart of gold. He did a lot of volunteering for the senior services of King County. He would drive senior citizens to and from various appointments. He always lent an ear to his friends who needed help. He always tried to be a hard ass when I came to the animals but he sure loved his beloved Bombay cat, friend and companion “Thomas”. That cat originally was found for my mom but that cat turned into my dad’s cat 🙂

The center of his life revolved around my mom. He was married to her for 57 years. They were like peas and carrots with a dash of hot sauce thrown in for good measure.

God we loved him, we all loved him so fiercely and fondly referred to him as “The Lion” of our family.

A giant of a man has left our planet a year ago.

He is still loved so very much, and we will miss him every single day.

I love you Dad,

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