Nola's Birthday

Here's Dad holding baby Nola 10 years ago. I miss my father a lot, but I'm thankful for all he did for my kids as a wonderful grandpa. Now, of course, I'm experiencing the special thrill he's showing here of holding a new grandchild. And I'm also mindful of the special relationship with each grandkid as they grow older. My dad loved kids and birthdays, so we will think of him when we gather to celebrate Nola's.

Another year has gone by since Dad's death on this day in 2010. A lot has happened in the last year, not to mention the past eight years.

First, and most importantly, Mom continues to thrive and enjoy great good health, in spite of some issues and challenges that are not surprising for someone who is 89 years old. Mom has become the real lynchpin in the Sigurdson family since Dad's passing and she has always had such strong relationships individually with each of her children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren that she makes us each feel unique and loved for who we are. And she continues to inspire us with her literary capacity, her warmth and her wisdom.

Mom and I were comparing notes on how many people would not be alive today if not for us. And the list is long. Go forth and multiply has been well-followed in our family.

Just yesterday, of course, we welcomed baby Ragnar James Lafferty, Lorraine's and Mike's first child (and my first grandson). As has been noted by many, Dad would have loved the Icelandic name. And I love it too. But he'd love Ragnar whether he was named Charles or Abdul (as would I). Dad had a special connection to children and they to him. BTW, here's 12-hour-old Ragnar:

And from the archives, here is Dad with baby Nola.

It is hard to believe that this little baby will be turning 10 this month. Although their time together was short, I am glad she had the chance to meet her Grandpa Frank -- and even more glad that he got to meet her. It is still sad for us that Nola's Grandpa John never had the chance to meet her. His far-too-early death reminds us how fleeting life can be, and how much we need to cherish our time together while we can.

I miss them both, Dad and John. As I settle in to life as a grandfather several times over now, I feel a responsibility to carry on from those who did so much before me. Though gone, I know that Dad and John would be happy to know that their families are thriving and growing and that their memory is kept alive by us all.