I suppose in the grand scheme of things every day we have shows meaning. Sometimes there are days we want to remember and sometimes there are days we want to forget and sometimes the feelings of both emotions are present.
A year ago today my father-in-law passed. It was kind of shocking as he was just fine at Christmas and then a series of things occurred, a virus, an infection, a surgical procedure and then another procedure pending. Between Christmas and the start of February life became blurry.
In the aftermath, there are many people and loved ones who miss him terribly.
There are cliche sentiments that account for the feelings of those 6 weeks.
“God won’t bring you to it if He can’t bring you through it.”
–Anonymous
“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father.”
–Thomas O. Chisolm
“God’s presence is with you even on the darkest night.”
–Anonymous
Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.”
–Alexander MacLaren
Cliche or not, the words have meaning.
Losing a special someone is poignant. Days pass and we want to see them and tell them things, have a chat. My father -in- law was a fan of this devotional website. My father-in -law was a fan of being devoted, period.
–devoted to his work
–devoted to his friends
–devoted to his family
–and above all else, devoted to God
The last two on that list were first in Dad’s heart.
A year without Dad has reminded us of his big nature. He was a leader, a patriarch, a lover of so many and a picture of how we were supposed to be living–with strength, faithfulness and love.
There is a void. He was not with us at Christmas. He has missed some birthdays and has had to watch from above how in particular, his four great grands are doing. Now that they are all walking and talking and gaining physical and intellectual strength, his earthly presence when we all gather is missed. He would be watching them with eagle eyes and commenting on their lively moves.
But fond memories are sustaining.
His love is still in the room when the family gathers.
God blessed us for many years with Dad’s wisdom and strength.
We miss you, Dad, but we are getting along and we live our lives differently for having had you among us.
spiritandsoul.net 
What a beautiful tribute to your father-in-law. I feel your pain in losing him. My mom has been gone 4 yrs and I still have moments when I want to call to tell her about something that is happening.
They will always be in our mind and our heart!
Such a poignant month last year—father- in -law passed on the 13th and my dad on the 26th.
Hey Sue–hoping your time away is renewing. We miss having you here.