Grampa.

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of my father's untimely death. We are indebted to East Pierce Fire & Rescue, who organized a very touching day in remembrance. They built a lovely pond in his honor, and named a memorial brick walk after him. They also designed coins with his picture and the phrase "A Quiet Leader Who Got it Done" inscribed.

It was really great for me to spend the day among people who love, mourn and miss Dad as much as I do. I was so glad to see his memory alive and openly cherished by so many. It was well-timed, as I sometimes feel that he's being forgotten. But I don't feel that way anymore, and for that I am deeply relieved.

We also marked the day in our own ways. Katrina toasted him at his grave with a bottle of lovely wine. Wilson wore a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts and sandals. I tried (and failed) to get Happy Donuts, so resigned myself to Albertson's donuts instead. In hindsight, I should have had two large bowls of ice cream.

Here's a moving tribute written by someone at EPFR: http://ow.ly/ikw9

Fallen But Never Forgotten