Today would have been my father-in-law's 83rd birthday. He died 22 years ago this past January 31...it was just a regular Saturday morning, he wasn't feeling great, kind of hot, a bit of an upset stomach, a little sweaty. He died of a massive heart attack before 11 a.m.

Oh how we wish he were here with us. We would have been able to share our children with him and they would have had his lap to crawl onto, his life experiences to hear, and his love. They would have given him their unconditional love, their hugs and their joy. My husband would still have the man who meant the most to him.

Years ago, my husband asked if I'd bake his father something on this date, so I did...still do. When all of our kids were home, it would have been a cake. Now I might bake cupcakes or, like today, brownies. We used to sing "Happy Birthday" to my father-in-law and light a candle. Tonight I think we'll just light the candle and send our wishes heaven-bound.

Happy Birthday Grampa Friend.