Honoring my dad… It’s all I can think about these days.

What are the best ways to ensure, though he is not here in body, that he is here is spirit? How can I make sure his legacy lives on? How can I ensure that the love he showed my mom, she still feels and experiences? How can I be certain that the lessons he so carefully taught to me and my sister do not slip away with his departure?

I have been thinking non-stop about him. His calm communicative nature. His love for history (specifically military) and reading. His super passionate, shall we call it, side. His smell… Things about him hit me in waves. Waves that sometimes feel like they are crashing, because to be honest, I still don’t believe he is gone.

In honoring my dad I have decided to make sure my mom still gets loving surprises. Who knows when. Who knows how. But, my dad had a way of making sure important moments and memories were honored. I commit to carry on his efforts as best I can. Starting with moms birthday in the coming weeks.

Come hell or high water I am running a marathon in honor of my dad. The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. He was the most proud Marine I have ever met and our family is going to honor him. Some will run, some will cheer, our hearts are in honoring his memory the best way we know how.

I am going to find a charity that makes me feel closer to my dad. Whether it focuses on children issues (he was the best dad) or veterans affairs (oorah), I am going to find a charity where I can dedicate time to a cause that brings me closer to him.

Most of all, I am going to let love shine. He was a man with a huge heart. He went well out of his way to care for my mom, to surprise her, to remember little things. His love moved mountains and was steadfast. I want to emulate my dad in the way I love others. His friends and family care from near and far to say good bye, I am certain that had more to do with the way he loved than anything else. He cared for others. It was genuine. Unconditional. Without expectation. I want to let my love shine in a similar manner.

Here’s to letting love shine.