Flopping Pigeon

Yesterday the weather was do nice that the outside work called loud and clear. Having lost a drop edge in a fall wind storm last year, it was time to fix that. There was a very nice patch of ice on which all kinds of fearful dangers rested.
I got out my trusted laddercarefully placed it so as to maximize stability and proceeded to clear enough snowoff the roof to make the repair.

Coming down off the ladder I stepped with great care onto the ice. My plan was to make my way to the garage to get a hammer and nails. Zach was sitting on the pile of snow behind me and the birds were singing in the trees. Suddenly every thing I knew about walking came into question.
Snow on smooth clear ice is more than slick. I found my self struggling to stay atop my feet. My arms were going in directions not yet named as my feet played hocky with my knee caps. Each time I caoxed a bit of stability into the situation the earth would shift and I'd be back to grasping at imaginary things. And hoping to come out with my life. All hope of dignity was gone. Some where between slapshots my ears tuned into a sound behind, beside, above, maybe below me.
Zach was laughing. I amsure to his 5 year old mind I looked something like a flopping pigeon.

Root Beer Floats

So, this morning as we were getting ready for breakfast, I informed the boys that Grandpa and Grandma were coming over for lunch. Zach turned to me and with all the excitement his little face could muster asked, "Daddy, can we have Root Beer Floats?"

They were every bit as delicious as we had anticipated.

It has been just over a year

Just over a year ago life as I knew it changed. Some times I wish I could go back to the way it was. But it seems like something happened at the one year mark that makes it easier.

Maybe I've had to deal with it, because I drive his car. Maybe I'm just the brother-in-law. Whatever it is, things are different.

I don't want to forget him, but I'm ready to not think about the loss every day. I'm ready to let his wheels rest. Ya, some times I wish I could rest too.

We'll see what the future holds for this year.