Happy birthday, Dad! Today you would be your 55th birthday! Remarkably, it has been 7 ½ years since you passed away and I assure you are as loved and missed today as the day God asked you to join his kingdom.

There is hardly a day that transpires when I don’t think about you. As I know you wanted, your family has pushed forward. Needless to say, life without you has often been a challenge. Everybody you left behind has and continues to experience obstacles and blessings that we wish you were around to share. Your wife went back to school, found a career and ultimately started dating again. Christina has gotten married and given birth to your first grandson, Lucas Lee Mitchell. Your youngest, Anna, has grown into a beautiful young woman while she continues to find her place in the world.

As for myself, I was left to figure out how to become the man you always wanted me to be. Since you left, I’ve experienced life on my own, built up my business, and found the woman of my dreams. While doing so, I’ve always attempted to not lose track of the priorities most important in my life. I am pleased to say that I am doing my best and optimistic that if you were still around, you would be proud. Then again, I know you’ve looked after your family from above and have been with us everyday through the sweet and sour. Silently guiding us through lives greatest struggles and accomplishments; but unable to bask in the rewards and disappointments in the way I sincerely wish was possible.

I know without a shred of doubt in my heart that there were times when you’ve been around to protect us or express your love. We all have our unique stories of dreams, encounters and unquestionable examples of your love after life to relish for years to come. Of course I always welcome more contact and miss the first months and years when you would visit more often. Sometimes I need to stare at old pictures and videos just to feel closer to you, or to hear your voice. But the observation that I’m always aging while the pictures and videos of us together remain ageless manages to remind me of exactly how much has changed. Furthermore, I can’t help but imagine what life would be like today if you were still around.

Regardless of what has transpired in the past seven years, I can assure you that I will continue to do my best. There is much room for improvement but I will not give up. You’ve created a loving and intelligent family and I promise to honor all that you’ve provided me and bestow the same love and respect to my current and future family. And when the eventual day comes when we stand face to face once again, I’ll know I made you proud.

Happy 55th birthday, Dad! I love you!