I want to wish my weird and wonderful Daddy a happy Father’s Day. You taught me lots of “old school” stuff like showing respect for the flag, never littering, saying “sir” & “Ma’am” to anyone at least 10 years older than me, and being kind to animals. Although you were a bad-ass Navy Pilot during the Vietnam War, you never failed to tear up during an especially touching episode of Little House. Don’t worry Dad, your secret is safe with me.
1972 give or take.
And now the hard part. I’m not going to say Happy Father’s Day to Jim today. It’s not a happy day but it is an important day for me to honor the best father a girl could have. From the time Hannah could form a sentence she called Jim “My little Daddy”. She worshipped him and loved him with all her heart. I don’t plan to commemorate this day every year in a memoriam post, but the “firsts” are hard for any parents who have lost a child and I will remember Hannah and her Daddy today with some special memories.
Columbus, MS 1989
The day before he left for Desert Shield, August 1990
I took lots of pictures this day and some video too in case he didn’t come back so she could remember him. He would not let her go all day.
Jim was always teaching Hannah things and he was a patient and kind instructor.
Biloxi MS 1991. Making French bread from Julia Child’s recipe.
There may have been some chest hair in that loaf. 🙂
How to do her taxes
How to ski.
I was un-teachable. I went on the toboggan hill instead. 😦
And most importantly–how to cook!
Dueling chefs.
Jim was very proud of her for enlisting in the Air Force
She salutes her Daddy minutes after her swearing in.
And she was able to fly home for his retirement ceremony.
My very pretty patriots.
Although this day is bittersweet for us, we hope Hannah is proud of us for keeping her alive in our hearts and trying each day to find joy and happiness in this wonderful world. Thank you Jim for giving everything you had for Hannah, and for being the kind of man she could count on for her 27 years on Earth. We love you & miss you so much.
Hannah & her little Daddy. December 2014
KittyBunnyChicken 
Sharing in your joy and in your sorrows, my friend. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Thank you Debbie.
Your beautiful girl was indeed blessed to have you and Jim for parents. I can see the love between these two in every photo. Love you, my sweet, brave friend.
Thank you Betsy. She had a one of a kind Daddy. I am lucky to be married to him.
No words. Just hugs to you and Jim.
Feeling it Aunt Carol. Hugs to you and your man.
Love you so much. I had a dream about her last night.
Call me and tell me about your dream. I have so many and Jim and I try to figure out what they mean. Most are so sad.
Hannah’s was always telling me how great her parents are. I remembered last year on father’s day they planned a day together at the shooting range. I miss my little sis everyday. She taught me so much in my short time in knowing her. I’m thankful I had the pleasure of having her in my life. SHE WILL BE FOREVER MISSED.
Oh Janis. Thank you for this. Jim went shooting today and I know she went with him. She was so happy to have you for a sister. God bless you.
Thoughts and prayers with you !
Thank you Regina. Please come see us at the Pink House. I’d love to visit with y’all. Deb
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😢❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😢
Love you Karen. I think you remember our Hannah from some of these pictures. She and Jim had something wonderful together.