On this Veteran's Day, I miss my Daddy..

It's not my intention this early morning to be melancholy, but I'm feeling reflective and I thought I'd share.

You know, I often see friends from high school and college on facebook who are going through the death of a parent. I have a different perspective than most people my age, however. My Daddy died when I was six, and my mom killed herself when I was 18 years old. It's been forever since I had parents, and I feel envious of those who had theirs as they were doing their real growing up. I often tell friends how fortunate they have been to have their parents around for such a long time. It truly is a gift.

I want to take a moment to thank my parents for making me the woman that I am.

Daddy, I don't really remember that much about you. I remember that when we moved to the new house, you would put Linda and I in the tub with you for our baths, and then tell us not to turn around. Those were innocent days, and that thought makes me giggle. I remember putting my hand in your BOAC bag once when you got home from a business trip and cutting my hand on your razor. I remember you singing "Oh what a beautiful morning" and "Here she comes, Miss America" to me. I still have the little iron you gave me, and the Tonka Volkswagen that you gave each of us for your last Christmas. I remember how much you loved Frank Sinatra and I am grateful you named me after Nancy Sinatra. That's something we share. As Steven was growing up he heard his share of Sinatra in your memory. I am proud to say he knows Sinatra's voice. You died when I was so young, and I struggle to remember you. But I will never forget you, and my son has your blue eyes..

Mom, it took me a long time to understand why you did what you did.I have learned that the disease is cruel. But I thank you for forcing me to take piano lessons, which I came to love. And I remember your guiding principals of "you're never lost as long as you have a mouth (pre-GPS)" and "where there's a will, there's a way." It probably took me a while to embrace the second one, but I'm all over it now.  I really admire you, and I wish I could tell you that. It couldn't have been easy to raise 5 kids, and keep them out of trouble. Lol. And I'm doing my best to raise a son who will be a healthy and productive member of society.

I have always told Steven about both of you, and what and who you were.

So, in closing, I love you both very much. But I miss you even more.

To my internet friends, appreciate your parents and your family. You don't know how truly lucky you are to have them.

Til next time..
TKM