December 3, 2005

Today is my dad's third anniversary in Heaven. He was driving home from work on a sunny Saturday afternoon, December 3, 2005, when he was hit head-on by a young man attempting to pass a bus on a hill. The other driver lived; they said my dad was killed instantly.

We were estranged at the time he passed away. In fact, we hadn't spoken in going on four years. What made that fact even harder was that I found out I was pregnant with Jaybird just two months later. I know Dad and I would have "made up" because I'm sure I would have contacted him when I found out I was pregnant.

So much of my personality *is* my dad. It's from him that I get my love of sports and can spout off knowlege of college football better than anybody. I love to read. That one comes from my dad. My love of writing. My stuborness. My distinct dislike for Notre Dame (unless they're playing USC). Dad, Dad, Dad.

I also get something else from him . . . determination.

Dad was diagnosed as a type two diabetic in 1995. Most type two diabetics that I know just don't seem to care what the disease can do to them. They eat what they want. Not my dad. There were so many foods that he loved, but he gave them up because he knew he had to if he wanted to be healthy. A few years before his death, he had to rely on insulin to control the diabetes. Funny how that works? He hadn't touched his favorite candy - Spicettes - in years and still ended up on insullin. My aunt cheats all the time, and has been cheating for ten years now, and her diabetes hasn't gotten any worse.

But Dad was determined to be as healthy as possible and not let food rule his life. I'd like to think that he was somewhat of an inspiration as I was working to lose weight. I'd like to think that he'll continue to be an inspiration as I work on maintaining my weight. Let's face it: if he could go without his favorite foods pretty much ALL THE TIME then I can deal with just eating my favorites in moderation, right? Right.

One thing I know for sure is that diabetes is no longer ravaging him. I'm sure he's up in Heaven, smiling down, enjoying a glass of sweet tea with half a pound of sugar. He's popping spicettes one after another. And he'll probably be eating chicken fried steak for dinner tonight. With is PawPaw, of course.

Rest in peace, Dad, we love you and we miss you a little more everyday!