My father died just last year.  He was only 75 years old.  I was his caretaker, with me being just 23 at the time I'd say it was the most painful experience of my life.  He lived a good life though, and his death was expected and natural.  I remember him every morning when I wake up, by reminding myself what he gave me that I'm grateful for.  There is so much he taught me, and being with him the last year of his life was also one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

I'd imagine my way of commemorating the anniversary of my father's death is the same as so many other people's.  My family buys flowers to place beside his urn, and we share our memories of him.  We do the same on other important days.  Yesterday would have been his 77th birthday, the flowers in these pictures are for him.  The family gathered for a big dinner and we sat around the table recounting stories from my father's life.  Today being father's day, we will do the same.  It has only been a year and a half since he passed away, but I'm going to make sure these traditions continue.  He was an amazing man, having served in the Army and being injured in the Korean War.  He raised 9 beautiful children, and we all want to make sure his time on this earth is never forgotten.