Valentines Day for my Pops

Valentines Day for me, is a day to remember the amazing love that my dad showed me not only on February 14th, but every single day he was alive. My dad had an amazing heart, which was ironic since he struggled with heart issues since I can remember. It was important to him to show the people in his life that he cared for them and he made sure that he never forgot about me. Whether I was in Kansas or next to him at home, he made it a priority to show me in some way how much he loved me on a daily basis. It wasn't about it being Valentines Day to him, it was just an excuse for him to show his love. I never thought that I would be sitting here writing about the past but as I look back I never appreciated those gifts as much as I should have. Now that my dad is no longer here, all I want is to receive a hug and a card with his loving words written in it.

We all need to appreciate those around us because we never know when they will be taken from us. Don't wait to tell someone something and make sure to let those you care about know how much they mean to you every single day not just on Valentines Day.

Valentines Day will always be a special day for me because my dad's love for life and those he cared about was incredible. It seems like a perfect day to remember all the loving things that he constantly did for people. He gave his heart to every person he came in contact with and never expected anything in return. My dad never once let heart disease control his life and he did his best to not let it affect is attitude on living. I don't doubt that it scared him but he consistently stayed strong in every circumstance. He taught me how to be strong and how to never stop fighting. My dad didn't just explain to me what the real meaning of love is, he showed me and for that I can't thank him enough. What the heart gives away is never gone, instead it is kept in the hearts of others.

I know that my dad is with me, always, and I also know that his love is shining through me and every other person that he touched. Its important to allow that love to shine into the world and to not hold it in. My dad wouldn't want me to be sad, he would want me to go out and live but to also continue to love, just like he did. The greatest gift I can give my father is to make my dreams come true and to go on with my life as if he was still alive. He will always be with me and will always love me, nothing can change that, especially not death.

So if you change anything in your life, make sure to tell people you love them and spend time with those you care about as much as possible. Try not to force the future to come quicker then it's meant to because it still wont and the path will surely be bumpy. Live a life that's worth remembering and put others first. Make a conscious decision each morning to have a good day, it may not happen exactly how you planned but at least you know you made the effort. Live for the moment and don't forget that there is always something to be thankful for. No matter how bad things are at the time, they will get better, but you have to have faith.

Dad, thank you for making it a point to show me how much you loved me no matter what was going on in our lives. I am so thankful that I had a father like you to be there and provide support anytime I needed it. You are an amazing person and as hard as it is to admit, I am lucky to have you as my guardian angel. I love you with all my heart and miss you more each day that passes.
Love always, Tay