It’s the time of year when commercial on TV and the radio are reminding everyone that Father’s Day is approaching. Stores hang signs to encourage shoppers to buy for “Grads and Dads”. I have to say it is my second most hated day of the year because it so blatantly reminds me that I don’t have my dad here to share in this holiday.
I lost my dad 7 years ago to cancer and my heart still aches and chokes my throat until tears fill my eyes. Most the time I remember all the fun times, but Father’s Day and the anniversary of his death still make me very angry. I wish more than anything we could have had the opportunity for a relationship in my adult years. I was only 21 when I lost him and he had just begun to offer advice and wisdom about becoming a grown-up. I wonder all the things I have missed, all the words and encouragement he could have offered, all the things I will never know.
This Father’s Day I want to share some of my favorite photos of my dad and me.
Even though he and my mother divorced when I was 6 and he lived 4 hours away, he always made trips to see my brother and me. We always loved to be silly together. He was always my motivator and encourager in school. He made the best mashed potatoes and chicken strips. When I was in college, he would drive to Denton just to buy me groceries.
He is the reason I worked so hard to graduate from the same college he did. He is the reason I joined Team In Training and raised money for cancer research. He is the reason I ran my first half marathon. He loved to run and he is always on my mind on a long run.
In Memory of my dad,
Daryl Len Thomas
1951-2006
Against the wind
I’m still running against the wind
Well I’m older now but still running
Against the wind-Bob Seger “Against the Wind”
6 Comments
Kathy June 16, 2013
This we share in common Kristin. I lost my dad from cancer when I was 26, he was 49. It sucks. I never got that adult relationship with him either. He never got to meet his grandchildren. It’s the good memories we cherish always. And knowing that they are watching us from afar. 🙂 xo
K10 June 16, 2013
It feels very unfair. Sometimes I can’t believe it has been this long. It’s crazy to think of all the milestones we never got to share with them.
Wanda&Don June 19, 2013
Kristin, our dear niece, thanks for posting this blog about your Dad, truly he is missed, we had some great times together and even in his final days, he would tell us to be sure and get hold of you and Bryan, he was a great brother and brother-in-law, he loved you and Bryan very much, as we(Don) and your Dad sat on our front porch and talked, he liked to reminisce about you all and the good times you had. I am so proud of you, that you are carrying on the tradition of running. He was an exercising mogul, had to keep in shape and we just loved him so much. Just wanted to let you know this. Don’t dislike Fathers Day, but be proud that your Father loved all of the holidays and would want you to do the same, to honor your memories of your Father as I believe he would want you to do. Love to you, our sweet and dear niece. Wanda and Don.
K10 June 25, 2013
Thank you Uncle Don and Aunt Wanda! I know you miss him very much too. I’m so glad y’all took care of him in his final days. Love y’all!
Mandy June 5, 2014
Kristin, I just stumbled upon this today and it was perfect timing. Although it made me cry, tears for you and tears for me, I was happy to have found this. I have been a huge grump since the beginning of June and nearly avoiding Wal-Mart at all costs. The thought of seeing anything that says Happy Fathers Day on it tears me apart. Knowing that the day is approaching hurts in a way that I cannot describe. This will be my first Father’s Day without my dad. I think I will feel this way every Father’s Day for the rest of my life. It hasn’t even been four months yet since I lost my dad but it feels like an eternity since I got to see him or hug him. I was so happy I got to be a part of Team in Training with you. Big hugs Kristin!
K10 June 5, 2014
I know it’s tough Mandy. I remember my first father’s day without my dad. It had only been 4 months, and I was working a new job where no one knew I had lost my dad. I came back from the holiday weekend and my boss asked what I did for my dad. I think I just stared blankly not wanting to open my mouth to speak because I was too afraid of crying. I eventually mumbled something about him passing. My heart hurts for you this first father’s day. It will be rough, but focus on the good memories. Sending love your way!