Why do you suppose Father’s Day feels harder for me than Mother’s Day was? Mother’s Day came so quickly after Riley died. I was still numb and making my way through what had just happened. Well, I still am. Greg came with us on Mother’s day. I thought it was important that we all be together. When I flew that kite, I looked up high hoping that the kite would reach Riley some how. I stared up to the sky as the kite weaved and bobbed up there among the clouds with a back drop of a beautiful blue sky thinking… Come on down, be with us Riley. He was. He came along. 

I imagine that today is a hard day for Greg. While he is celebrating being a father to three perfect children, he is missing one.  Bria has grown to be a beautiful, intelligent, vibrant woman who is completely comfortable in front of a crowd of people just like her Dad. Braden has grown to be quite a talented, incredible young man who is giving of his time and abilities to others like his Dad. Riley was a mini Greg.  Riley and Greg shared their love for music, talent in singing, and in the way they made others feel comfortable by their smiles and smart alic comments. Riley happened to look like Greg too.  When we decided to have a third child, we couldn’t have guessed how blessed we would be. We called him “Bug” as a nickname. I’m not sure how he got that nickname, but it stuck. Riley turned out to be pretty darn amazing. We were, are very proud of him. The fact that he made a poor decision doesn’t discount any part of who he was. If I could change that decision, I would. I can’t. I think he could have ruled the world some day. In some ways, he still can impact the world in his absence. At least I am hoping so.

Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are bittersweet now. I am so very thankful for 18 years with Riley. I am praying for and counting on more than 24 and 22 years with Bria and Braden. I know now more than ever to be thankful for today. I couldn’t be a Mother without the Father so Happy Father’s Day, Greg. Thanks for making three beautiful children with me. We did pretty darn good!

I Love You, Riley.