Today will always be a very special day for me; It is a day of reflection, respect and admiration of one of the most influential people in my life.

By now it has been a little over a year without him, and not a day has gone by without me thinking of my dad. I often chuckle to myself when I get in a tough situation, knowing his outside-the-box thinking would find a solution I haven’t thought of. I feel a great sense of pride in my accomplishments because I know how proud he would have been to see them himself.

I reflect mostly on the last year of his life, which was when the two of us were the closest. I would visit him once a week (while working and going to school) and we would simply spend time together. We’d tell stories, play with toys and amusements I would bring him and always have a few laughs.

I know this bonding meant a lot to both of us, and I will cherish it always. It feels really good to know that we shared secrets and left nothing unsaid.

Sadly, I don’t have many photos from the later years. Many of them were likely digital and didn’t last the same way film does (with film, you always have a physical copy and the negatives). If anyone has some later photos of my dad and I, I would very much appreciate a copy.

Here is a small collection of past memories, all of which make me smile.

I love you, Dad.