Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day

Here is a picture of my dad and I in Ireland 2 years ago.  I took a trip with my sister Helen to visit him there.  I got a chance to talk to him yesterday with all of my brothers and sisters.  It was great to hear his voice (and all my 11 siblings, too) and got a sense of how he is.  He has dementia and is in a nursing home there.  Recently he fell and broke a shoulder and a hip.  He is on the mend and I could definitely hear that in his voice. I miss him living here in the states but he just loves his Ireland.  Yesterday, he asked about my kids:)  I hope his memories never fad.  He is one fantastic dad!
Here are some pictures of my father-in-law with my kids about 5 years ago.  He recently had some health problems and won't be able to make it to my son's graduation this week:(  We are missing his visit.  He is a terrific dad!  I look forward to our weekly chats.

And of course, here is a picture of my children's dad, Michael.  He was a very special man:)  He passed away nearly 17 years ago.  We have missed having him with us all these years:(  He would be so proud of both of his children.  Thursday's graduation will be bittersweet for me, having my son graduate and not having Michael here to be part of it.  It's been a long road and marvelous journey.  I miss you sweetheart!

I am finally out of school and loving it!  Today's weather will be gorgeous and the pool is open and heating up.  Time for some R and R.

I wish a Happy Father's Day to all my brothers and brothers-in-law Bob, George, Chuck, Joe, Mickey, Jeff, Allen, and Paul.  Have a great Father's Day everyone. 

Love, Claire