Hard to believe it's been a year yesterday ...
Dad was always a Beam guy, for the most part.
But I remember a family trip to Tennessee, and our stop at the Jack Daniels distillery. I remember the tour, and dad's smile and subtle laughter when the tour guide said, "Now we'd love to give you a sample, but this is a dry county, so we can't. But iffn you see one of those barrels with a leak, you might want to consider puckering up and giving it a kiss." I remember him retelling the story to his friends and family when we got home, and for years after.
He was an amazing father ... Which I aspire to be and often fall short of. There are days, sometimes several times throughout a given day, when I hear his words coming out of my mouth, or catch myself doing things with his mannerisms. When I catch myself I sometimes smile, sometimes laugh or just shake my head.
But that's what it's all about, isn't it? The legacy we leave, especially the legacy we leave in our kids. It should be good, and honest, and true and genuine. Their words, no matter how trivial, should resonate. The memories, even one of potentially kissing a barrel just to get a taste of Old No. 7, should linger, despite the years.
These are the gifts my dad gave me, and I'm forever grateful. I love you, and I miss you dad ... And not a day goes by when you're not on my mind. Thank you seems so inadequate.