I only imagine the kind of pain this brings, and do know that anniversaries will always bring up more sadness. It takes time, and you work through it as you can.
Eventually, from my understanding, it becomes possible to remember fondly and smile and and even laugh with memories. Eventually. Be patient with yourself.
xo

I'm sure it is a tough day. I cannot imagine. Take your time.

I'm sorry. I have no idea how it must feel. But I know it'll get better, like everything in life.

It's important to talk about it with your daughter, "teach" her how to cope with these sorts of things in a healthy way. I hope you keep that promise.

My thoughts will be with you.

Its been 15 years since my Dad died .... I still say My Dad is.
My thoughts are with you today

My step dad just dies a few weeks ago and it has been much harder than I even imagined. I thought I had it all compartmentalized and under control, but the reality is that the pain is so great sometimes, I feel like I am imploding. I feel your pain and hope we both can heal a little.

My husband wrote a post on my blog if you want to read it:http://productbody.blogspot.com/2008/08/death-memorial-personal-note.html

Thank you for sharing...

Your Dad IS and will always be....

i'm sorry about your dad- he sounds like he was an extraordinary man. You should definitely show that your Willa.

I didn't get a chance to comment yesterday but I want you to know my thoughts were with you. August 30th will mark the 6-year anniversary of my father's death and I still miss him every day. I definitely try to keep him here with us through my memories and the things I know I will be teaching my children about how amazing he was. You just need to grieve in your own way, whatever way that may be, and know that it's okay.

I've been an off-and-on reader of yours, but I'm a shy commenter and inconsistent blog follower. I just wanted to let you know that I read your father's obituary a year ago and I could not get his story out of my mind. As an amateur historian myself, his story inspired me to keep reading and to keep up with my interests, even though my career does not facilitate my dream.

You may not have realized it, but your father is in my life every day. I don't know him or you, but I have thought of him and his passion every day since I read about his death a year ago. In fact, I keep a jolly roger flag at my desk to remind me not to give up, despite being lost at sea in my very small cubicle.

Just read his obituary....wow, he sounds like an awesome person and achieved something truly amazing in his lifetime. I would have loved to have met him and talked to him about his passions. You must be so very proud of him :-)

I just found your blog recently and really enjoy it and wanted to share my sympathies. Your father sounds like he was an amazing person.

Hugs to you, Torrie.

I'm really sorry for your hurting. My dad died suddenly 10 years ago and I still say my dad Is. I think I am very skilled at letting go but sometimes it feels like I am just being cold or practicing avoidance. It doesn't mean he wasn't my best friend though. Thanks for reminding me that I really need to introduce my kids to him, they have no idea who he even is yet.

The thing is .. your Dad IS. And my Dad IS. And they always will be. Their bodies failed them ... but their spirits will never fail us.

Willa does deserve to know who her grandfather IS ... I'm so glad you're taking this route to healing yourself. It's healthy for both of you.

I cannot believe it's been a year. You know we're all here for you, always. My dad's birthday is the same day as your father's death. There might be something there...?

That's a really touching post. You are such a good daughter.

My only assvice is that I don't think you are keeping Willa from her grandfather- that would be if she was fifteen and you refused to answer any questions about him.

It will come. I reckon one day you will relish showing her all the things you loved about your dad, and will be able to do it without feeling sad.

Give yourself time. Luckily I've not lost a parent but one of my best friends died nearly five years ago, and I can only now think of him and smile, not cry; make jokes about his crazy little habits with his other friends and laugh. Even then it is still tinged with sadness.

I hate to say it, because it's so corny but **Hugs**

Personally, I always "avoid" situations and even my feelings until I feel safe-
The good thing is that you have time and have to allow yourself time to get there. Luckily, Willa is very young and you have many years to tell her all about him.

Sweetie, in this I can say with certainty that I understand so much of what you're feeling. Finally caught up with your blog (have been blog-MIA forever!) and just wanted to let you know how much I care about you, Willa and the whole family. That one year day is brutal, as are so many moments. Willa is lucky to have such a good mom who will push through that difficulty to still share all the great things about your dad :)

talking about most problems and/or painful subjects can be extremely cathartic...