Remembering Poppa Chopin

It's hard to believe it's been nine years since Dad passed away. So much has happened in nine years--both of his children got married and he now has six grandchildren. And that's just a smidgen of what's happened since then. Dad was a person who loved life and showed it in the way he loved his family and friends. To celebrate his life, the Chopins, the Dupuys, GiGi and Nanny Wanda traveled to visit his gravesite. While there, we spent time sharing some of our fondest memories of Dad. Cassie said one of her fondest memories of Dad was playing "Simon Says" and "Father, May I" before the bus came to pick us up in the mornings. I shared that one of my best memories with Dad was playing tennis at Girard Park on early Saturday and Sunday mornings and then heading over to Mr. Cook for breakfast (I can still remember what we would order).

And although the kiddos never got to meet their Poppa Chopin in person, we all agree that they

innately know him. We find it amazing that sometimes the kids will just casually mention him in conversation, like he's a part of the family. And he is, but it's just strange because they've never heard his voice, they've never had a big bear hug from him, and they've certainly never been spoiled rotten by him (but GiGi is taking care of that just fine), yet he is a part of our family. GiGi has always told the kids that every time they see a penny on the ground, that it is a sign from Poppa Chopin that he loves them dearly. The kids also like to let balloons go up into the sky because they want to send them to Poppa Chopin to let him know that they love him.

I miss Dad often and I know that the kids would miss him too. I often wonder what it would be like if he was still walking the earth, especially for him to have the chance to be a part of our wedding and the birth of his grandchildren. I think he would absolutely adore his daughter-in-law and be extremely proud of her. And I'd like to think he would be a little proud of me, too. The one thing I always appreciated about Dad is that I never had to worry about whether or not he was proud of me or if he loved me--he always told me! So Dad, on this anniversary of your departure from this life, I hope to honor you by saying I love you, I miss you, and I thank you for giving me life and raising me the best you could. Enjoy your grandkids! You deserved it!