On the eve of my 25th anniversary, I’m taking time to reflect, to be thankful, and to be full of wonder.

It has been one challenging year, mostly influenced and overshadowed by the passing of my loving Dad. They say that Alzheimer’s is a long good-bye. It is definitely that. I also thought the disease was preparing me for my Dad’s passing — that I’d be prepared and ‘ready’ when he died. I couldn’t have been more mistaken.

His death shattered me to my core. It provided the wonder of our family coming together and being closer than ever. And it shattered me to my core.

This year has been a journey of preparing to let go. I’ve mourned. I’ve been depressed. I’ve been sad. I’ve cried. I’ve hidden. It’s time to let go of that and live as he would want me to.

My Mom visited his grave today and found what looked to be a palm tree on his grave. I’ve sensed Dad’s presence several times since his death — and I think he, once again, is working his grace into my life by somehow placing that palm tree on his grave.

He’s telling me it’s time. It’s time to let go. It’s time to stop hiding. It’s time to be full of wonder and embrace life. And as any loving daughter would do, I’m going to listen to my Dad and start to, once again, delight in all the goodness life has to offer.

Thanks Dad!