1 Year Later

Technically, it's been about a year and a half. When Paul and I had our 1 year anniversary, home called. My presence was needed for my dad was sick, and lucky I did come home because those were the last moments I spent with him before he passed away from lung cancer. So although I was very happy to celebrate one year of marital bliss with Paul, I was in the middle of figuring out what happened to my dad, show that I love him, keep doctor appointments, and try to keep the family together during this hard time. This was probably one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do in my life. My father's death still hits me pretty hard. I haven't written a blog about it in a very long time since I kept all the updates on the caringbridge site...coping with my grief has been a long process. I wouldn't have been able to get through it without my support system, family, friends, and most importantly, my husband, Paul who always gives me a shoulder to cry on. It's a good thing his sweatshirts are so absorbent.

I am really grateful that I had the opportunities I had with my dad, helping us with the house, walking me down the isle, taking the Mendozas around the island...I still keep the photo book I made for his memorial on my desk with a little rosary at work. I greet him every morning. He accompanies me on my lunch runs. He scolds me when I drive too close to the cars. Though I cannot see him, it's nice knowing that he's always with me, and he still be there in all the years to come to see all our accomplishments, babies being born, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Paul and I have gone through some really high highs and some really low lows, but as this first year shows, we are strong together. I'm sure there's going to be many more anniversary celebrations in years to come.


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Rest in Peace, Dad. We love you!