Today would have been Dad's 59th birthday. We would have probably gone out for a meal, cut a cake, discussed his plans for retirement, talked about grandkids. And even though he isn't here anymore, I will still do these things - because he will always be in my heart, and I know he is looking down on us, smiling, wanting us to make the best of our lives. Dad, I miss you more than words can say. Not a moment goes by that I don't think about you. In fact, I think about you more now than I did when you were around - when I have to make a decision or face a difficult conversation, I first think about what you would do. They say time is a healer - I'm not sure how much time this cliche had in mind and I'm not optimistic that this wound will ever heal. There are mornings when I struggle to get up and face the world, and nights where I cry myself to sleep. Days where I'd rather not deal with teenage children and evenings where his last moments replay like a videotape in my head. Perhaps some wounds never heal. But I draw strength from Dad's relentless battle with life, his ability to smile through hardship, and his determination to never give up on a body that was giving up on him. And thank you to everyone who has been there for me and my family over the last few months - your support and friendship are so invaluable. Happy birthday Dad. I hope you're celebrating today, as a free spirit. See you on the other side x

Sometimes I still can't believe you're gone. I still see you everywhere I go - you are the last thing on my mind before I sleep and the first thing I think about when I wake. You will always be in my heart.

Yout first birthday was so special for dad we had a lovely party. Your dad is up in the sky showering his blessings down on you. He will always be with you in spirit. You will always be his superstar and hina and you will always be daddy's little girls. Your dad was one in a million and he will always be alive in our hearts. Look up in the sky daddy will looking down on you.