Lisa A. Kramer

Author, Speaker, Theater Artist, Creativity Facilitator

Today He Would Have Been 80

[caption id="attachment_6671" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Dad and Sarah when she was around 3 Dad and Sarah when she was around 3[/caption]

We should celebrate you today, with cake and ice cream, laughter and smiles. But you left us much to soon.

I miss you Dad!

Perhaps it wouldn't hurt so much if the ravages of a cruel disease hadn't taken you before your time as you faded into your own memories and we watched you go . . . leaving behind a box full  of images and a heart full of sadness.

[caption id="attachment_6672" align="aligncenter" width="535"]The Memory Box I gave my parents for their 50th anniversary last year. The Memory Box I gave my parents for their 50th anniversary last year.[/caption]

Maybe it wouldn't hurt so much if Alzheimer's hadn't removed the wit and humor (and bad jokes) before we wanted to let them go.

Perhaps it wouldn't hurt so much if I had said goodbye.

But I know it would still hurt!

Because we should celebrate you today. You should have reached this milestone with a giant party filled with friends, and laughter, and love.

But instead all I can do is give you these words.

I hope they are enough.

I miss you, Daddy. I love you! Happy Birthday.

[caption id="attachment_6673" align="aligncenter" width="720"]Ben Kramer, May 22, 1933-December 19, 2012 Ben Kramer, May 22, 1933-December 19, 2012[/caption]