Today was my first Thanksgiving since my Dad passed away.

We’ve been apart before, and last year, the last one he was alive, we were not able to be together. I didn’t know that Christmas 2010 was the last Christmas we would spend together.

I had been worried about this first Thanksgiving without him. He has always been an integral part of the day — playing with the kids, a calming effect on my mom, and a problem-solver with other issues.

I think the little ones running around and enjoying themselves, plus the family still with us made things a little easier.

Don’t get me wrong, I missed my Dad. I miss him all the time. I am crying as I write this post.

He was such an important part of my life, and so many others.

We were lucky to have him as much as we did.

All in all, it was a Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope that yours was as well.