I like thinking back on wedding dress shopping with Dad. Laughing at how silly I looked in those big, poofy princess dresses. And then finding the one...he teared up and said that I was going to be "Paul's little flower" (there were sparkly little flowers around the hem of the dress). It was so sweet, but I couldn't help but laugh and give him a confused look, as I had never heard my father say something like that before, and no one had ever described me as a little flower. =) I believe I hit his arm and called him a dork, which made him curl up laughing.

At the wedding, before he walked me down the aisle, he pulled me aside and with tears in his eyes, told me how proud he was of me. This of course just made me start crying, which is no good when you just finished your makeup and are getting ready for the big moment! We wound up leaning against each other laughing and crying, yelling at each other to stop making each other cry, while trying to get ourselves together before heading out. It was such a great moment that I hope never fades in time in my memory.

The last time I was able to speak with Dad was at my mother-in-law's funeral. It was of course a difficult and sad time, but still Dad was able to get me and the hubby's family smiling and laughing.

I have so many happy memories of Dad, and almost all of them entail laughing for hours on end. I am so thankful for the sense of humor he instilled in me, and for having these memories that continue to crack me up when I reflect back on them or share them with others.

rest well in heaven!

thinking of you!