Remembering

a photograph never grows old. you and i change, people change all through the months and years, but a photograph always remains the same. how nice to look at a photograph of mother or father taken many years ago. you see them as you remember them. but as people live on, they change completely. that is why i think a photograph can be kind. - albert einstein

it was somewhat strange waking up at seven this morning on my living room couch, and remembering back five years ago, to this monday morning, when i stopped to say a quick 'bye!' as i was running out the door for girls camp, not realizing that was the last time i'd see my sweet dad again. 

five years have come and gone, and so much has happened. but there are still days that stand absolutely still, just to remember all of the laughter and beautiful moments, and to appreciate the love and hugs of dad. all of those memories are so priceless to me now, and i still find myself wiping a tear or two away when thinking about them. 

he was a good man, through and through. he loved so much and was so full of life. i think the energy he brought to a room is what i miss most, to be honest. he just touched people. i don't think anyone could help but love him. when i stood up after his funeral to walk out the back, the stake meeting house was filled with people who had known him throughout his life, people who's lives he had touched, and who had likewise touched him. but he was first and foremost my dad. that big old bear of a man, full of love for me. 

so today is for dad. still so missed. and so so loved.

derek ralph nelson

1962-2007