Well I made it through today. Both kids received awards today at their school assembly. I don't know how I made it through it without tears - but I did. David would've been especially proud, since both kids received Athletic awards. Sheri and I agreed he would've definitely taken credit for that! He certainly was missed, since he ALWAYS came to these things. He always took enough vacation hours so that we could attend together. Though I do remember a couple years ago at the year-end assembly he only took a couple hours thinking he could still make it in time. The assembly started and he wasn't there yet...Brady's teacher said some nice words about Brady and then called him up for his award...still no David. I was so disappointed that David had missed this special event. But when I turned around to come back from taking pictures up front of the award winners, I saw him there, standing in the doorway, still in his work uniform. He gave me a small wave and a big smile. I thought to myself, "Patty, did you really think he wouldn't be here? You know David would have to be dead before he'd miss something like this for his kids." ....If I only knew where we'd be today...WITHOUT him here. Without his loud clapping or clapping when he wasn't supposed to (joined by Rob Wright of course!)....without his smile beaming with fatherly pride... I feel bad, it is another one of those awful firsts for our kids. Especially Emily, this was her first awards assembly...a first within a first. She did tell me that she thought Daddy was watching her, because he would be so happy with her award. I told her "You can bet on that sweetheart!" I am proud that our kids have continued to do well even with dealing with the loss of their Dad and I'm sure that David did see them from where he was, and was as proud as ever of his kids. I just wish that this year too, I could've turned around to see him standing there in that doorway....