My dad's birthday and his quilt

Monday would have been our dad's 68th birthday.  We never imagined last year we would be celebrating without him.  It is safe to say that the day was far more difficult than any of us would've imagined.  Back in Utah all of my other 6 siblings were able to gather at my parent's home.

They served Fish and Chips, a favorite of my dad's.  I have been lucky enough to go to the fish and chips shop around the corner from the home my dad grew up in Grays, England with him.  Memories I'll absolutely always treasure.  I was so fortunate to visit his home with him a handful of time.

We did a balloon release.  Everybody wrote notes and letters to my dad on balloons.  Then we released them for him to read.

My uncle Andy, my dad's best friends and younger brother, releasing balloons in England.

And here we are in Virginia, my little family timing our release at the same time as everyone in Utah.

We also celebrated with Apple Pie, my dad's favorite.

I woke up and I felt okay.  I knew it was his day and thought I would be okay.  And then I saw the picture from my uncle and it was over.  I had a very very sad morning.  Missing my dad so incredibly much.  I'm so thankful for my amazing mom and siblings, we are all suffering together and that makes it better in a way.  I have 7 people who know exactly what I'm feeling, the massive void I feel and know my dad completely.

I decided that afternoon I would spend making another quilt block for his memory quilt.  This is the 6th block, the white is his shirt.

I really enjoy sewing and creating, it distracts me and makes me happy.  Then the cherry on top is working on this special quilt of my dad. I have a large canvas picture of him in there with me and  yes, I talk to him.

Another one I haven't shared. The blue is his shirt.

The first three.  Only the bottom plaid gray/blue is his shirt.  The other two do not have his shirts.

I look forward to adding to the collection of blocks.