Pride

Dear Dad,

Well it's nearly your anniversary.

And I've been struggling to be honest. There's been a lot of quiet tears, especially since I've got back to tech and I can't help but think:
'Last time I enrolled Dad was fine.'
'Last O week we'd only just found out.'
'Last bullying and harassment training day we thought you had 2 years.'
'Last time we were planning Mum's birthday you were still here.'
'This time last year, the arse fell out of my world.'

It's tough. It's bloody tough. I just miss you everyday. Every. Single. Day.

A lot has changed since you died, and not all of it has been bad. A lot of things have happened that would have made you proud.

I graduated Dad. I actually finished it. And with bloody good marks to - an A+ average in all classes. I bought a locket for my big day, and had a picture inside of you, I know you would have wanted to be there:

The kids are just getting cooler and cooler.

Cam has developed a real obsession with all things motor racing, especially anything to do with Top Gear. You'd be amazed at how that boy knows his way around the engine bay of the Toyota. It's his party trick, he can point out battery, radiator, alternator, fan, fan belt, fuse box, washer motor, exhaust manifold - he even gave Liz a lecture the other day about the risks of leaving your lights on... You'd be so proud of him, he's such a little dude, and he's just so 'handy', he's gonna go a long way:

Lucy's just so cool - she's smart, funny, opinionated, sweet and affectionate. She's a lovely little tart, outgoing and friendly, and a real hard case. She's done everything faster than Cam ever did, but she's the polar opposite of his serious personality. Lucy attacks everything head on and at speed, and is absolutely fearless. She's also full of yack, she's a real Macdonald. She walked at 14 mths, and ran days later. I don't think she's stopped running since:

The kids are best mates and worst enemies, and they're just my whole world. You would have adored them.

Mike's been doing so well. Last June he jetted off to Brisbane for 2 weeks to complete his Station Officer training, and last week he got promoted! He's now Mr Harrison, Station Officer for Dunedin Central Station 211, it's the main truck and he's in charge of a crew of 4 really good guys. He's slotted into the job perfectly, and I'm so proud of him.

We really miss you Dad. I know life goes on, but I'd have really loved to share all these things with you.

Oh - one last photo....

At the A &P show this year I saw an old friend.... I only recognised her by the orange paint on the tyre where Sam hadn't masked them properly... I don't have a decent photo, because I only had the crappy camera on my phone to snap one with, and Jen had to tickle it up for me with her computer, but you get the idea:

Miss you Dad.

Love Cath
xoxoxo