I wonder how I could forget something like that. It's only been a year. I remember everything about May 7th. Where I was and what I was doing when my dad called. How I called Craig after, just crying on the phone. How I jumped in the shower and stayed there until all the hot water had been depleted. How I started planning a last-minute trip to Houston. How the rest of the day drug on...and how it took me an entire day to write this post about him.And then there was the viewing, memorial and grave side services. Putting together a slide show. Seeing family members I've not seen in years. Watching my Papa's oldest brother cry. Working with Kristina on things that my dad and uncle didn't need to be bothered with. I remember the overwhelming smell of flowers as I entered the viewing area. The sweet aroma didn't seem to fit the situation. It was too sweet. I knew I was going to see his body. His hands were clean. His hands were never clean. I honestly do not think he ever washed them and seeing his hands clean was weird.
I immediately saw the flag. The flag I framed for him on my first (and only) deployment in the air force. It was at the head of the casket.
It actually seems like yesterday, but it also seems like a year ago. I remember so much about him, but I also feel like I am forgetting things. I do feel it's good to remember. The little things like his dirty hands, short hair and shirt pocket filled with pens. The candy he always kept in his pockets for us when we were little, the big coloring books and limitless supply of pepper. His Mexican wedding T-shirts, suspenders and love for game shows......Yeah, it is good to remember.
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