Today is my dad's birthday. He's been gone 4 1/2 years now. It's funny how grief works. You can be just fine and then, whammo, something hits you and the pain is just as fierce as ever.

My dad would have been 71 today. Somehow the seventies seems the beginning of being "elderly" to me.

I miss my dad every day. Our conversations often start with, "Grandpa would have loved this." Or, "Remember when Dad ____?"

My dad was a complicated man. He wasn't always easy to be around, but who is. No matter what, though, my dad always made me feel loved and protected.

He also:

• Loved my cooking. It wouldn't matter what I made, he would rave. And have seconds.
• Would patiently do all the work it entailed to take us fishing, including untangeling all the fishing lines, lures, handle the bait, move the boat around, and cleaned and cooked the fish. He never complained. Not once.
• Always listened to me and sided with me, commisserated with me, even if I was wrong.
• Made me feel treasured, the epitome of daddy's little girl.

Don't smoke people. It will take you from your family. You will definitely live a shorter life. And it's not just lung cancer that takes smokers. My dad died from pancreatic cancer. Not an easy way to go.

Click here to learn more about Pancreatic Cancer and how you can help.

I miss you Dad. Happy Birthday!