Remembering David (Jan. 31st, 2010)

One year ago today we lost Matt's dad.

It's so hard to believe it's been a year since we last saw him or held his hand or heard his voice. We miss him every single day and make it a point to tell our kids all of the time about their very special "grandfather angels". When he passed away, I was just a minute pregnant, 18 weeks or so. But we were able to tell David the week he died that he would be welcoming a granddaughter and grandson into this world - and that one would be named for him, Ryan David Greenwood Clanahan. We still feel blessed we were able to share that with him & feel assured that he was comforted in some way by that news.

It's times like this when I don't even know what to say - even to my own husband. I've been there -- the first anniversaries, the first birthdays without Dad, the first Christmas, etc. But still, it's a very personal journey through those firsts and everyone deals with it differently. All I can say to my dear husband and his wonderful family, David was a great man, husband, father, and friend. I am so grateful to have known him for 8+ years and am forever thankful that he was here with us on Earth. He and Barbara raised 3 wonderful children who are very precious to me, most especially my wonderful husband.

And when we look at Ryan - we see Dave - our ever present reminder that legacies live on. Or "Baby-Poppy" as some people call him :)

Matt's Dad @ 3 years old (Flash forward to Ryan @ 3 years old!)

David, today we remember and honor your memory. We take great peace in knowing that you are out of pain and resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. And to Barbara, Matt, Emily, Christian, and their families -- my thoughts are prayers are with you today and always. May you remember him today with more happy tears than sad - and take comfort in knowing how much he loved you all.

In Him,