Its been 4 years, one month and 13 days, since my dad took his last breath. It's been 1,503 days I've lived with guilt of not being able to attend his funeral because I was selfish, hurt, lost and emotionally empty.  I thought I was mentally and emotional prepared to deal with him passing after years of trying to understand why the person you are suppose to believe in took my mother from me. I distanced myself from everyone and everything because I didn't want to feel the hurt I was running from, the pain that ate at my soul, the fact I would again have to face losing the last of the two who I never thought I would be without. I lived to make him proud of my accomplishments. I loved my father for all that being father meant, for the times he put aside work to come to my games as a kid, the times we would share simple conversations that meant so much more than either of us would know.  But thinking back, all those conversations were preparing me for what was to come. It wasn't until this day, Thanksgiving, the day he use to  prepare a feast for ages, the day everyone would get together and watch football, drink Coors light and have random family arguments of "Remember when so and so." I'd give anything for one more day of us all together, just one last moment to make one last memory. But that won't happen, so the thoughts will do. But just so you know Dad, we still doing it, we are still going, because as you always said, "We are Whatley's," and "Whatley's are strong." Every day I listen to saved voice mails from you and mom on my phone and smile as I think about the memories from the moments throughout my life that always make me smile. I really miss you Dad. But you prepared me well.

Happy birthday Papa  ! I know you’re dancing away and laughing it up as you always would . we love and miss you so much here ❤️

I can hear this picture as if it were yesterday ❤️ Today I am grateful to have had a papa like you

On our way home

He was a great Dad and grandfather with a big heart. Its been a year since his passing and he is missed dearly. Not a day goes by that i dont think about him. They say a person never notices the value of the well, until the well runs dry. Well, now i truely understand this as i always was close to my dad. But, now that he is gone i would give anything to jave another hug. He loved his family and football sundays. He was an excellent cook who would feed multitudes if they came. He is loved and made an impact on alot of people with his wisdom. Love you dad !