Today marks an important day in my family’s history.  It has been 17 years since my dad passed quickly and unexpectedly.  The trajectory of my life was changed forever that day, as was many other people’s who knew, depended upon, and loved my dad.  Every year May 3rd has been a day of remembering for us.  Remembering the sincere and authentic man that was my dad.  Remembering the pain of saying goodbye.  Remembering, years after the fact,  the important life lessons that he taught us.  I find myself smiling with tears in my eyes. Grateful, but sad.  I’ve long ago moved past the “what if” thoughts. Instead the 3rd of May has become a bittersweet holiday of sorts. Its distinctively different than Father’s day, at least in my head.   About two years ago on Father’s day I wrote a note on Facebook that expressed my thoughts about my dad, and while so much has changed in these past two years, I have yet to find a better way to communicate who Larry Griffin is to me.  And so I share those thoughts again this year. For those who knew him, we will always feel the loss.  For those who never had the opportunity, he was a friend to whoever needed one, an encouragement when you struggled,  but never afraid to correct you if you got off course and were headed for trouble.  As my son grows older I realize just how hard it is to be a great dad and how hard he worked.  Celebrate my dad today with us as we remember.

LEGACY OF A DAD                                              June 19, 2011

It’s been 15 years since dads been gone. The biggest moments and decisions of my life have happened since he has been gone. I haven’t been able to ask questions or ask for advise. He hasnt been able to help me when I struggled or encourage me when I needed it. He didn’t celebrate my achievements and successes. And yet today, as I think about fathers day, I cannot help but think of dad as the most influential person in my life. Despite the fact that I haven’t heard his voice in over 15 years, it’s still the things he’s said to me that guide me today. Despite the fact that he has not made a decision in a decade and a half, he is still the example that I try to follow. The love he gave me all those years ago continues to shape who I am and who I want to be. And even though he only lived to be 44 and never accomplished so many of his goals and dreams, he is still my standard for what being a successful person is, and my model for how to live. I miss you dad. Thank you for all that you did for me, and all that your life and love continues to do in me. Happy Fathers day.

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