one year later | sacramento family photographer

So much happens in one year. Babies are conceived and born, babies turn into toddlers, and toddlers become children. I’ve watched both of my children make these types of transitions this past year and I’m always amazed at how quickly they grow up. But one person hasn’t been here to watch them reach these milestones. One year ago today my dad lost his brief battle with kidney cancer. As I celebrate each moment of life with my children my heart aches for their loss. It aches because they truly had the best Papa anyone could ask for. He loved my children with everything he had. He was so proud of them and constantly told them so. And he always told me how proud he was of the mother I became. I miss that–I miss hearing from the man that I’ve always looked up to that I was doing a good job even when I second guess myself. My dad really was my biggest fan and he never let a day go by that he didn’t tell me so. 

So much happens in a year. But in some ways, it seems like time has been standing still. I’ll never get over this great loss in my life. Time will lessen the pain, but the void is always there. I miss my daddy. My kids miss their Papa. And I miss this great man who had such a legacy of integrity, laughter, and loyalty.

This image is my favorite picture that I have of Abby and my Dad. I love this picture because I have so many like it of my dad holding me at this age. I love her expression and the tenderness he shows. I truly cherish this picture and I know that Abby will one day, too.