You've been on my mind quite a bit this month, for so many reasons. I often try to imagine what your reaction would be to the news stories. Just because it usually leaves me with a smile, and I can still faintly hear your voice griping about this or that. I check in on the dogs, not as often as I should, but I do check in. I send emails and call to see how they are probably once every 2-3 months. I've killed just about every plant I got from your funeral, not intentionally of course, but because I just really suck at growing things. I think my heart ached a little more with each plant that died. Mom gave me hope and made me smile by reminding me that she had all the ivy you had given her throughout the years. And I literally cried when I found out that your gadget rose bloomed. I guess that last ditch effort to steal your roses before the new homeowners moved in was worth it. So much has happened this year, yet there's still a part of me that feels empty. I miss you. I love you. I know life goes on, I know I have a daughter to raise, and parents to make more memories with. But life would be a lot more fun...(sometimes intimidating) with you still in it.