In Memory of Gary Reavis

I've talked about my step dad a little bit here and there, but today my blog is completely dedicated to him. Yesterday was the one year anniversary of his death and it's important that I write about how I feel, but also so I can remember him and his life here on earth. He is missed very much everyday, but I know that he is in heaven and he's being well taken care of.

When my Mom first married Gary, I hated, and I mean hated him. I was angry about a lot of things in my life that time ( I was 12) and he fueled the fire. Through trials and tribulations(a lot of them), we grew anincredible relationship. Despite our differences, we grew to respect each other. He was there for me in many ways I didn't even realize until I got older. I learned a lot from him and he helped shape who I am today.

As an adult I learned to appreciate his kindness and his willingness to go out of his way for others. He treated my children like they were his own because to him they were. He and the princess had an incredible relationship that she will never forget. We talk a lot about him and some days she is sad and the others she has very happy memories. The princess remembers him as the silly Grandpa and that he was. It saddens my heart that the ruler will never know his Grandpa.

My sister is a Daddy's girl and this has been a tough year for her. Not only did her father pass away when she was 19, but she also moved away from home to go to school. She was the apple of his eye and he was so very proud of her. The relationship was very special and I knows she misses him so much.

Gary died on December 10, 2007. It's taken me a couple of days to write this post. I keep sitting down to write and then it feels too sad and I stop, but I wanted to keep his memory alive and try to remember all the great things about him. He was a great cook and taught me most of what I know today. He taught me how to do simple things like laundry and how to keep a house. He also taught me about hard work and where to find a good deal which translates into he was cheap. His family was his life and he put all of his energy into it.

Although I'm very sad that he is not here, I know that he is with God. I was there the moment he took his last breath. I got to give him a kiss and tell him that I love him. He was surrounded by his family who held his hand when he died. His pastor was there we were able to say a prayer before he passed. I hope that when it's my time that my family will do the same for me. As much as we didn't want him to go, he went peacefully and with all the love of his family and friends. That's the way it should be

So I'll end my post with, I love you Gary and I miss you terribly, but I'm glad you're with God living comfortably and not on this earth suffering. I think about you everyday. You gave me so many gifts in my life and I'm truly grateful for everything you did for me. Thank you.

May God bless you all.