Though it's 2 days away, Alaina would be 16 this Thursday. And as always, I keep thinking I'm going to do well, then some trigger hits, and I get all teary eyed. And as before, I wonder how many calls/cards/dates/etcetc she'd be experiencing about now. I do know I had plans to hand over my van keys to her (what kind of respectable dad gives his daughter a van for her first car????). Now, wife and I will be celebrating her life at Mammoth, where I do know I've been granted lift tickets to the top, and we'll release a balloon or two with messages, and if the reception works, I'll be calling the Monterey Bay Aquarium and make a donation in her name ($16 for 16 years, big spender). Maybe stick around late Thursday and watch the movie at the Village. Find a trinket to leave with her when we get home. And talk with the Adventure Center manager about purchasing 2 or 3 of their rentals (one for wife, one for son, and one to flip).
It's still strange, that this is her 12th birthday away, and I still feel like it's the first one all over again. But I do feel like I'm getting better, and as long as I can ride in her honor, all will be well........
It's still strange, that this is her 12th birthday away, and I still feel like it's the first one all over again. But I do feel like I'm getting better, and as long as I can ride in her honor, all will be well........
