David Anderson, 1937-2008

It has been nearly a week since my father passed away so unexpectedly. I find it hard to know the words to express the depth of my grief, but also the depth of my gratitude for him. He was a magnificent man who lived every day with purpose and verve and strength and enthusiasm. I have learned from him and I have leaned on him. I have talked with him and cried with him and laughed with him. I have hiked with him and biked with him. I am proud he is my father and I hope he is proud to call me his daughter.

I will forever be grateful that we decided to drop in on Mom and Dad last Sunday. I will never forget our last conversation and the last time I hugged and kissed him. I hope and pray that Jane and Mitchell will keep some small memories of him and I wish so much that Luke would have been able to grow up to know his Grandpa Dave. As it is, I'm brought to tears thinking about tomorrow when we next enter my parents home and Luke wanders around calling for his grandpa, who he loves, as he always does.

The past week was a wonderful time to be with my mother and my brothers and sisters...but there was such a profound void. How we all ached to hear his booming voice and be in his huge presence that could fill a room.

But we experienced peace and I know he would have loved the service at the Air Force Academy where he now rests. The full military honors, the bagpiper, even the hummingbird that hovered right by us and stared directly at my mom the entire time she spoke...then flew away.

I think it may take a while before my "poetry" comes back. But it will.