Today is a very special day for me.  Today is my dad's, John Gallagher, 85th Birthday.

It's special because for the past five years we have feared that he wouldn't be here to celebrate another year.

To borrow a line from the Glenn Campbell song, "I'm Not Gonna Miss you," "I'm still here, but yet I'm gone."

Why that line?  About five and half years ago my dad was diagnosed with aggressive Dementia of the Alzheimer type.

I have done much soul searching over the last few years of his illness wondering why him?

He was such a strong hard-working man that has taken care of his family through good times and many bad times.

It is hard for me to see him in such a frail state as he battles this evil disease that robs him of his memory.

I watch him as he struggles to stand or even talk sometimes. I can see the fear in his eyes because he gets so disoriented and doesn't know where he is or why he is there.

I know that God has a plan for my dad and I need to trust in Him that it is the right plan.

My dad asked me a few weeks ago why I thought that God didn't just let him die.

With tears in my eyes and a smile on my face I hugged him and said, "I guess your work here isn't done yet."

You are still need here by us and God knows that.

When it's the right time, He will call for you.

Though my dad and I have not always been close, I love him with my whole heart and it will be a very sad day when God comes calling for this great man.

This photo of my dad and my husband Brett was taken June 20th at a family reunion, it was one of dad's good days.

I love you daddy... Happy Birthday!

 

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