My biggest loss and saddest day.

I've been thinking about writing this one for a week now. Very difficult for me to do to say the least. Last week I lost my dad. My folks retired to this area almost 10 years ago. I was sad to see them leave back then but happy they had found a place they loved after a year of searching for a retirement spot. We started visiting on holidays and taking a week vacation each year to visit. (we hail from NJ) and fell in love with the area ourselves. Four years ago we decided we too would make the move. Several factors involved in the desicion including wanting to be here for my folks as they aged and being nearby to help them out. In my heart and mind I knew this day would arrive although I had hoped it would be further on down the road. You see, I would often pick dad up and take him on my runs to take pictures and measurements on properties or as he would say plant a sign in some dirt. I enjoyed having him along for company as much as he enjoyed taking those rides. We didn't talk a whole lot during those trips but as you men out there know we (men) really don't have to talk much to bond and enjoy each others company. Work ethic was the greatest thing he taught me. He was a blue collar guy, a man that worked two jobs his entire life to make ends meet and be sure his family had a roof over their head and food on the table. He put both my brother and I to work early on in the family business. Started at 10 years old, everyday after school and on Saturdays. I graduated high school on the 18th and started my 'real' job on the 19th. Been working ever since. Tried an early retirement fours years ago, it lasted about 3 months, haven't even taken a vacation since then. His lessons are ingrained, maybe even genetic. He's a man I respected and loved and I only wished I had old him so more often. Another genetic passdown in this family, the men don't show very much emotion. I've yet to shed a tear and dampen a cheek with his passing. Inside I mourn his passing and celebrate his life. I will always cherish the memories, especially the last four years when we grew so much  closer together. He will be with me everytime I 'plant a sign in some dirt' or list a vacant property.

Thank you kindly for the ear, I probably needed to write, to air out and relieve some tension.