Today marks the one year anniversary of my Dad's death and although we have gotten through it for the most part, this week, and today especially, was kinda tough. There were many happy and sad memories that stirred me over the last several days, culminating in a visit with flowers to the gravesite today with our 2 older children. We recalled several Grandpa-isms and many memories of his good deeds and generosity over the last couple decades in particular. He saw our children grow up and he went to HS and college and Master's graduation ceremonies and shared many happy moments in our lives. He died last year while we were visiting my brother and his family in Oregon and probably had been dead for 2 days before friends, neighbors and family figured it out and before our older daughter and his lady friend found him dead in his favorite chair watching TV. He had just finished his dinner as a half eaten granola bar was on the floor and an empty bowl of soup was on his end table. I am almost certain he was watching our regional semi-final game last year as 'nova beat the crap out of his and our beloved Devils. So I will always tell folks that the terrible downturn in the financial world and the Blue Devils killed my father. Only a Duke fan could really appreciate that
.Well, that was on top of Claire's broken foot and 2 surgeries, her auto accident, both our kids losing their jobs, our daughter moving back in with us and surgery for both Joy and me last year. 2009 really, really sucked.
Last year would not have been bearable however if we did not have the prayers, thoughts, vibes, well wishes of our many family members, neighbors, church friends, and of course, all the truly great folks, friends and fellow PWs here at CT. The origin of this site can be traced back to Ima's need for support and for our needs and the fabulous efforts of CB&B who got it up and running. Y'all are great. Thank you with all the sincerity that I possess.
Fast forward to tonight. The memories of Dad are very positive and warm and we all appreciate what he meant to all of us in so many ways. He left us a house and some investments which have recovered to some degree but I'd trade them all back in if he could spend one more day with us. I would have a special beer with him tonight to celebrate the victory, thank him once again for all his memories, gifts and sacrifices for us and join him in just one more chorus of:
GO TO HELL, CAROLINA, GO TO HELL!
Here's another salute to you, Dad. We love you.
Thank you for reading and,
Respectfully, proudly and tearfully submitted as post #6000,
devildeac
vs. 
Ken vs. Ryu. Classic.
When done with it, I will give a loud version of GTHC, GTH. 
