Here's to you Daddy!

Eight years ago today, I lost my Daddy.  He was my hero, my friend, someone I could confide in.  My first love of my life!  The kind of man I hoped I would marry someday.

My daddy gave his blessing for Daniel to ask me to marry me.  He even told Daniel about his kissing spot for me (the freckle in the middle of my forehead).  My dad had never shared that with anyone before.  He gave me completely, safely and lovingly to my sweetheart.  Thank you, Daddy!

It pains me that he lost his battle to overcome the ailments of his body but I am grateful he does not have to be held down by them now. 

I have been looking at photos today of him.  The first one I have of he & I, I was a baby just a month old posing in our Kestner family Christening gown.  He looks just like my brother Andy does now.  My favorite and latest of him is on my wedding day.  He and I posed for a father/daughter picture on the Portland LDS temple grounds.

I've been going through old photos...digital photos were not that common prior to 2003 so I only have a few...but here they are.  I will figure out how to scan photos so I can add my favorites later. 

My daddy loved babies & children.  Here he is holding baby Gavin.

Grandma Kestner, Daddy, Cousin David, Aunt Holly May of 2003.

Baby Ethan just weeks before Daddy died.

This is the photo we used for Dad's obituary (minus baby Ethan).  How I miss you Dad.

At Daniel & I's first home with all the family over May 2003

Daddy's grave site on his birthday in 2003.

My daddy was an amazing man.  He loved us all unconditionally.  He sacrificed much to have all of us kids and worked so hard to provide for us.  He taught us the value of hard work.  He taught me to accept everyone.  I miss you Daddy!  May you rest in peace as you watch over all of us.  I cannot wait to see you again and hold you in a long, loving embrace!  This little girl of yours loves you so much & misses you even more!