Saturday, October 15, 2011

Bittersweet Day



Today is one of those days that holds more than one significant event in my heart.
One of them holds joy, the other sorrow.
I am sure I will cry some tears today and they will be a mix of both emotions.



My father in law John passed away four years ago today. I still can't believe it has been four years! He was the light of my husband's life and I think my husband was the same for him. They were the silliest around each other, smiling from ear to ear and dissolving into laughter over the most ridiculous things. John was so supportive of my husband through his roughest years and I believe he was so proud to see how his life changed from what it had been in the past. There wasn't a day that they didn't talk on the phone - usually over the Pittsburgh Steelers but even just for a quick hello, since John lived in Pittsburgh. The were really like best friends.

This photo was taken on our wedding day March 03, 2007. We just found out a few weeks prior that John had been battling stage 4 lung cancer. He and his wife made the trip from Pittsburgh to be there for our wedding; he seemed ok health wise and we were so happy to see him dance throughout our reception. We flew up to Pittsburgh for the Fourth of July weekend that summer and now looking back, I am so happy we were able to spend that quality time with him as it would be the last visit we had with him. He passed away the morning of October 15, 2007 and there isn't a day that he isn't on our hearts. Even though we know he is no longer living with bad health and instead rejoicing in heaven, we miss him dearly.

We love you Papa John.


The sweet news for today is another wedding...my cousin Daniel will marry his sweetheart Jackie. They both went to high school and college together and we think she is just the sweetest! She will now be an official part of the family and I'm thrilled that they will be married today. Family occasions like this bring everyone together from all over and I love the memories that are made...as well as all the photo ops! :)

Best Wishes Daniel & Jackie!

2 comments:

Bravoe Runway said...

Hi Erica! Enjoy your weekend and I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father in law. While it was 4 years ago, I cannot imagine what it is like to lose a parent. I am glad you flew up to see him 4th of July.

Erica said...

Thanks so much, you are too sweet! We are blessed to have such good memories with him :)