Today is the anniversary of my dad's death.

That sounds so sad to say it that way, today is more like a celebration of my Dad.

Usually this time of year is hard for me, but weirdly enough through lifes circumstances, I have been too busy to really let it catch up to me.

My day has been packed full of job interviews (one of which went VERY well), running family errands, and getting ready for the finale to AI.

I did take about an hour for myself and bought 3 helium filled balloons and went up to the top of the mountain.

This is a tradition with the helium balloons. I wrote on the first balloon with a sharpie marker a note to my Dad, letting him know he is loved and missed and not forgotten. I held it for a few moments, said a prayer, then let it float up to carry the message to my Dad. I watched it until I could no longer see the balloon, it made me smile and remember the very first time I had balloon therapy (a story I will save for another day)

The second balloon I wrote a note to my dear friend Ron who passed away. He was like a father to me after my own dad died, I let him know he was loved and missed.

Tears from Heaven was playing on my cd player from the van.

The 3rd balloon was for my mom and sister. Both of them were diagnosed with cancer a while back and by the grace of God are on the mend and doing quite well.

"Thank you God" was all it said.

After all was said and done, I felt refreshed and recharged. I needed this more than I realized!

It was painful to lose my dad, but as a result I have grown up quite a bit since then. My family is important to me. I know I dont always say it or show it, but it is in my heart often.

I have also been thinking alot about my husband. Gawd I am a lucky gal, and the more I think about all that he and I have been through, he's stuck by my side through it all. He's been my safe place to land, he has wrapped his arm around me while I have cried until I couldnt cry anymore, he has made me laugh til my stomache hurts, then make me laugh some more. He's seen me at my best, and loved me through my worst. Words cannot even express the love I have for this man. My dad would be proud to call him son, I know that in my heart.

I know all of this is a bit scattered, but so am I today. not a painful scattered tho, which feels very good.

My heart is full and my spirit is lifted.