Hi Dad:

I am taking a lunch break at work and watching the snow fall outside the four-panel picture window that overlooks the driveway. The flakes are big, like puffs of downy feathers, dancing through the air, sifting down to the ground. We are not supposed to get much, just a couple of inches. Everyone complains, but I know it’s just a little reminder from Mother Nature that she is in charge. Besides I never count out the possibility of snow until after your birthday, May 9th! I also remember riding in the car over to Norfolk to Richard’s birthday party all those years ago, and almost every year there would be a light snow. And that was April 16th. So, I am not annoyed by this little gift, just enjoying the beauty of it. Just as you taught me.
Easter Sunday was yesterday. It was hard without you and Mom. My memories of Easter are filled with hunting for chocolate eggs which you and Mom had hidden all around the house. They were hidden so well that some of them weren’t discovered until months later! Whoever found one would shout with glee and you would smile that knowing smile, shrug your shoulders and beam. Each of us had an Easter basket filled with peeps, M & M’s and jelly beans. Yum! I loved getting a new dress and patent leather shoes and a hat. I always felt so special. Dressed in our Easter best, we would go to Church. Mom would sing in the choir. Our little clan took up one whole row, and when we started getting antsy, you would poke the one next to you in the ribs and they would pass it along to the next and the next and the next, trying not to giggle cause we knew Mom could see us from the choir loft. I have to admit that Easter dinner was not my favorite. I never was a fan of ham. I wanted Mom’s roast beef and gravy. I think you knew that, though.
Fast forward to Tuesday morning, April 3, 2018. This morning the sky at dawn was a mixture of pastels along the horizon. There was a frosty film coating the grass and the trees. Supposed to be a cool one today. The clouds have started to cover the blue sky with a steely gray that promises a cold rain. Although it is April, the weather forecast is for cold temps. Only in the forties during the day and twenties to maybe thirty at night. Still, when the sun is out, there is a hint of warmth washing over my face when I look up. Promises of warmer weather coming.
I look forward to getting the stream cleared out and running. It’s full of leaves. I didn’t get it running last year, it was just too daunting a task after losing you and knowing Mom would be gone soon. But I can’t wait to play in the dirt and plant some flowers. I am planning a little memory garden for you and Mom in my front yard. I am going to dig up the grass and plant flowers to surround the bird bath that is there. There are also some bird feeders. I shall think of you every time I look at it. I have some gladioli to plant, and some pansies, and I am sure I’ll grab some petunias to add to it. It will be beautiful.
I miss you more than I can say, my dearest Da.
All my love,
Your favorite #2 daughter – Meg