My Dad – Douglas M. Miller

For all that is annoying about Facebook, I do love the connection with family and friends.

I love the feel-good videos and the laugh-out-loud shares.

Today I saw a share from my cousin, Jay. It had a picture of a blue rose. It read:

This rose is for my Dad in Heaven. Share and keep this rose traveling for all the Dads we will miss this Father’s Day.

Sadly, that is something my Wiggins cousins share with their Miller cousins. The loss of our Dads.

My Southern Gentleman

I’ve shared several posts about my Dad.

• The first Father’s Day after he passed
• A Johnnie Walker toast to Dad
• A Valentine memory
• A southern gentleman tribute

And many more.

I never know when a certain event or phrase will bring memories rushing back. Today was one of those days.

I have so much of my father in me.

• His love of reading (which my Mom shares)
• His stubbornness (which my Mom also shares – I never had a chance)
• His ability to tune out his surroundings (comes in handy in my day job)
• And, of course, his blue eyes (thank you, Dad)

I still wince when I receive the flood of emails promoting Father’s Day gift ideas. IF only.

I miss you, Dad. Every day.

My Uncle Jack Wiggins

California Cousins

Uncle Jack, the Dad of my Wiggins cousins, had Alzheimer. Such a tragic disease. It’s like losing your Dad twice.

I used to refer to this part of my family as my California cousins. While I was raised in the Midwest, my Wiggins cousins were California residents. I regret distance kept us from knowing each other more than we do. But, I will always remember my Uncle Jack.

My mother’s older brother, Uncle Jack was a proud Notre Dame graduate (and one of many biological connections to my Notre Dame obsession).

Uncle Jack and my Dad were both veterans. Uncle Jack had been a prisoner of war.

What I remember most about Uncle Jack was his fabulous laugh. You could not hear Uncle Jack laugh and not join in. He was incredibly funny. I cherished the times he visited.

If you are one of the fortunate ones to have had your Dad in your life, I hope your memories are as good as mine. If your Dad is still on this earth, remember him this Father’s Day and maybe give him a call. Or better yet, a hug.

Trust me. The Wiggins and Miller families would love such an opportunity.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad and Uncle Jack. Love you and miss you.

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Live…Laugh…Love