A New Year and a Lot to Look forward to!

Hi, John Howard,
I haven't written you in a while.  I guess that is a good thing.  This is the one place I can write to you and not have to worry about hurting any ones  feelings or feeling bad about mine.  Kristy is engaged and getting married, I know your baby girl, boy has she grown into a beautiful young woman.  You had to have had something to do with bringing this wonderful guy into her life she is truly happy and you would be so proud of her.  Chad and Jessica are expecting their first child, yep you heard right they were both shocked and starting to get used to the idea.  Chad is so worried about being a Great dad, how can he be anything else he had a Great role model, YOU!
Heather and her Brady Bunch crew are doing Great.  I know the night before you died we talked about her marriage but she is truly happy now and the old Heather is back.  Amazing what being with the right person will do for you.
I am Happy and Surviving.  Still have my good days and bad, but Pat is a real Trooper.  I think about all the things you are missing out on and sharing with us in person.  But, I also know that you are right with us every step of the way, it's just different.  I talk to you often, people must think I am talking to myself but we both know the truth, LOL.
I have come along way, but I still have a long way to go.  If I would have the chance to redo some of the things I did after you died, I would do it in  a Heartbeat.  I am learning to place one foot in front of the other and looking forward to tomorrow.  August and October will be busy months for us being the baby and the wedding.  I don't know how we will do it but Chad will walk his little sister down the isle for her wedding and make his Daddy proud.  I know the tears will be flowing as just thinking about it is hard for all of us.  She even had trouble asking him she was all choked up.  But you know Chad the jokester that he is he made her laugh and ask him twice.  Her dress is beautiful, a little over our budget, hell, a lot over our budget, but when I saw her in it there was no doubt that you would have bought it for her no matter what.  You used to always say, pick it out and I will pay for it how you hated shopping, unless you were with your kids or grandkids you loved putting a smile on their face.  Her and Heather went to look at the dress one more time before buying it I was out of town so I couldn't but they truly had a sister moment.  They both felt your love and presence when she tried the dress on and knew exactly what they needed to do.  Kristy was hesitant about the price and called me and said she didn't know what to do but she didn't want to leave the dress.  I laughed at her and said you just said you don't want to leave the dress that means it's the one.  Heather got on the phone while I was talking to Kristy and said Mom it's taken care of I bought it, dad told me too.  The tears came and we were so happy yet so sad at the same time for we are all looking forward to the joyous occasion yet Missing that one special person with that beautiful smile to walk his daughter down the aisle.  But thank Heavens for sons and brothers, as Chad has your beautiful smile and will do you proud carrying on in your footsteps. 
Don't know when our kids grew up but it happened right in front of our eyes and what wonderful kids they are.  I am truly proud of who each and everyone has become and I know you are too.  Love you, babe, Dra'