1 year

A year ago today my father in law passed away. He fought a very long, very hard battle with cancer. He was first diagnosed before our wedding. Years later, one of his doctors mentioned how it was a big deal the he made it to our wedding. He eventually went into remission for about a year before the cancer came back in his lungs and brain.

Our last Christmas together, he wasn't doing very well. He lost the ability to do a lot of the things we take for granted- feed ourselves. Walk. Get in and out of bed. I remember one morning, one of his nurses came over to help out. He was in rough shape and when the nurse asked how he was doing he just smiled and said he was doing great. He truly had a fighter's spirit.

Boyd used to always give me a hard time about being a CU fan. And he used to ALWAYS ask when Ben and I were going to have kids. He was passionate about his family, his husker football, his church, and writing. After he passed away, we published all of his articles into a book. It was one his dreams.
It has been an interesting year without him. Parts of it have been really tough. I honestly don't know how people get through a loss like this without faith. Even in the pain and chaos, there has always been a sense of peace and hope.

I am very thankful for the son that he raised and the role model he was for Ben. I am thankful for the memories we have, and I'm thankful that we will see him again one day.