![Dad at Otter Creek, NY Dad at Otter Creek, NY](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256526395_ebbe799854.jpg)
A year ago, without warning, I lost my hero: my Dad. I wasn’t ready for him to go. It’s still hard to believe he’s gone.
![My niece and her grampa. Miss Vu & Grandpa](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256527785_d200767478.jpg)
I have a gaping hole in my heart. I had so much more to ask him about, to share with him, to laugh together over.
![First Dance First Dance](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256878834_304572e5e1.jpg)
![My nephew and his Grampa Dad & Magoo](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256528295_e4ba31ceaa.jpg)
![Scuba Diver Dad Diving](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256673343_29ca9a4a4c.jpg)
I miss late nights in the kitchen talking about the latest archeology story he read in National Geographic. I miss his quiet, always working, always tinkering presence around the farm. I miss trail rides where he always managed to squeeze in a nap on horseback. I miss hearing him practicing his banjo upstairs. I miss his scratchy moustache kisses and his big squeeze hugs. I miss being able to ask him to make something for my garden or the house.
![That Smile That Smile](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256528715_797dd239f7.jpg)
![Dad, me and my brother Dad & Us](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256529385_eda748a8a2.jpg)
![Always Dancing Dancing with Harvey](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256880134_2653247a20.jpg)
I try to remember that he wouldn’t want me to dwell on loss, regrets, and what never will be. I try to remember and embody his endless curiosity, inventiveness and willingness to learn, his do-it-yourself attitude, and the boundless joy he found in life, his family and his friends.
![Floor naps with the dog Napping with Harley](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256674043_436144c9c8.jpg)
![Best Friends Best Friends](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256529575_7199d39709.jpg)
![Always curious Getting to know the locals](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256674773_4e32eca9dd.jpg)
![Dad & Chiachi Dad & Chiachi](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256880894_ba0b45a610.jpg)
![Dad and I Dad and I](http://www.digginthedirt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/13256881424_2f1a56d8e9.jpg)
I miss you Dad. So much.
it’s been almost 15 years for me without my Dad – we had the same kind of relationship that you had with your Dad. Wish I could say it gets easier…
My dad died 27 years ago and I STILL think of him every day.