The One with a Coulda, Shoulda, WOULDA Moment

Happy Birthday, Dad

Mike. 21 -

Today is the day that my dad would have (woulda) turned 80 years old. I love February 21 and yet I sometimes dread the day's arrival. It's a day to spend lots of time thinking about my dad, but it's also a moment that I come to the reality that I no longer see him live life and grow another year. It's a hard day. It's a day I can't hand him a card, give him a hug and kiss, and say "Happy Birthday, Dad!" Each year, I do still wish him a happy birthday, just in a different way... and he probably doesn't even know it. My dad, Mike, left this earth 6 years ago and is now in heaven with some of his loved ones.

Mike was known for stories. He told story after story after story. Some were WILD. He was not average at all! I knew this about him since childhood but over the years I've also heard it from others. When people think of Mike or talk about him, there is ALWAYS a mention about the stories he had to tell. I may not be as known for story telling as much as my dad was, but I do hope in this lifetime I can share many stories and even if I have a fraction of the kind of impact like my dad had on many, that would be fulfilling. I'm also making it a point to always make February 21 special, some how, some way. This year, it was publishing my first book. Now I'm not talking about doing it on a scale this large every year. Small scale or a small act of kindness would suffice.

I'm not usually a coulda, shoulda, woulda kind of person. In most cases I am like Edna from the Incredibles and would say that's "pish posh darling." But today, I am going to have a woulda moment. For my dad and for myself. My dad woulda been 80 years old. I shoulda been able to spend more time with him. If he was still here, he coulda done more of the things he loved. I shoulda seen him meet his grandchildren, create more art, eat more meals in the North End, buy that sailing boat, go to Europe like he always wanted. I shoulda seen how great of a grandpa he woulda been. My boys woulda loved him.

I woke up this morning with an email from Barnes and Noble. My first published book (eBook version) was accepted and LIVE! I couldn't believe my eyes. I did submit it and aimed for the published date to be around February 21, but I wasn't exactly expecting it to be accepted and live on his birthday. Of course this particular submission took me longer (had some technical difficulties) and was just completed last night. Hours later, the KDP Kindle + paperback also went live. My dad loved and adored Turk. When I think about Turk Tackles, I think of him. This is my sign and a way for me to really say, Happy Birthday, Dad.

Love,

B (My dad's little flower, Ace, Champ, Best Friend)