Miss you, Dad

I miss my Dad today.  No, not because he's in Heaven--he's alive and well in Pensacola, Florida.  I miss him because I watched one of my very best friends, Laura, say goodbye to her Daddy today.  Laura's Dad lost a long and brave battle with ALS.  I shed maybe two tears during the funeral.  After all, I really didn't know him.  I'd only met the man twice, but I watched Laura get torn to pieces dealing with his illness.  And, besides, I'm not really a big crier, not in public anyway.  But when I got in my van and headed back home, I thought about my Dad.  After all, the two men were the same age, they looked like they could be brothers and have lived similar not-so-righteous lives.  Anyway, I got into my van and the tears just came.  I cried for my friend who has struggled with her father's illness for so long, and I cried because I miss my Daddy.  I wish he lived closer.  I wish he was watching his Grandbabies grow up. But most of all, I thank God he's still with us and I do get to hug him two or three times a year.  Laura, I am so sorry you lost your Dad.  Dad, I am so glad I am going to be able to give you a hug when you come in for a visit in two weeks.  You better believe it'll be a good one.  I just may not let go.