We are getting there!!!

Last week I wrote a check for Habitat for Humanity for $1296.75 as a result of donations and almost 300 books sold! I can't thank everybody enough for their generous support for this worthwhile charity. We have got $998, 703.30 to go and I can't wait to tackle this huge challenge. I Miss My Dad will positively affect many lives and I can't wait for Habitat for Humanity to benefit. This is so important in the wake of the huge destruction that Hurricanes Gustav and Ike caused. This is just the beginning everybody. Hang on and enjoy the ride!!!

A Day to honor Dad

Well yesterday was the toughest day of the year for me: Father's Day. But you know what it was not all that bad. The day started off with the annual Father's Day 5K run for the YMCA in my hometown. It was great. All of my family was either running in it or cheering us on so it was truly the start of a great new tradition. Don't get me wrong. Other parts of it sucked, especially when I thought about my Dad about 80 times an hour that day. But my Dad would not have wanted anyone to be in a bad mood yesterday because Father's Day was just another day to him. Most of the time he spent in sweltering heat over a barbeque.

I Miss My Dad received publicity in 12 local newspapers and 1 fairly national newspaper on Sunday. I want as many people to hear my story as possible and a big thanks to the excellent journalistic work of those caring people to report a story that will benefit Habitat for Humanity. While Father's Day is truly a day of happiness for some, it can be just as sad for others. For me, yesterday, it was both. I truly wish that every father out there had the best Father's Day ever. You never know when it will be your last.

Good days, tough days

Since the last post I have had great success with I Miss My Dad... I was published in one local newspaper where I live. This Sunday I will be published in all 12 Observer and Eccentric newspapers in my hometown. I was also interviewed by one of the major newspapers in my county. This all happened in the same week!!! Great success so far. But we are nowhere close to our goal of $1 million and I need your continued support. Without support, none of this happens.

Fathers Day is Sunday and will be running in the annual 5K race in my hometown. I can't wait. It should be a lot of fun. My sister and brother-in-law will also be running and we are truly trying to make this a family affair. But don't kid yourself with my optimism, Father's Day is the worst day of the year for me. It is a constant reminder that there is something different about your life. You always feel like an outsider looking in on that day. I find myself constantly watching the time, like I have some place to go, even though I don't. The important thing on this day is to spend time with your Dad or loved one, even if he is not around.

I got the perfect gift in the mail today. It was a Father's day card from my goddaughter wishing me a happy Father's day. And you know Father's Day became a little less hard to take because of that. My best advice can only be do what's natural and do what YOU feel like doing on that day. It does not have to be everybody's tradition to be a tradition. Make your own day.

Spreading the message

Thank you to everyone who has been supportive in my efforts to raise money for Habitat for Humanity through the sale of my book I Miss My Dad. I truly appreciate it. So far we have raised $676.25 through the sale of the book and additional donations. I have sold out of my first 185 books and have ordered another 200!!!

I was interviewed by my local city newspaper and I actually got pictures taken by a photographer today. I really hate getting my picture taken but if it is helpful in achieving the goal of $1 million then I will ride a unicycle while balancing a spoon on my nose if I have to. The photographer was very cool and she made the experience worthwhile.

You know when I was working out the other day, I saw a son who was about 10 run up to hug his Dad for seemingly no apparent reason than he went back to what he was doing in the gym. It is those little moments in life that we truly need to take advantage of. They might not remember that moment 20 years from now, but it builds the foundation for a great relationship in the future. I miss my Dad for that reason, not that we would have ever hugged but to say, "Hey what's up?" Live each moment, and appreciate each moment every day.

One man, One mission, One million dollars for Habitat

Welcome to the Lost Dad's Club blog! In this blog I will be sharing stories, thoughts and relevant comments about my own personal journey to write my book, I Miss My Dad... My Dad was such a great individual that I felt the need to memoralize him in some way. The idea for the book was born really late at night about two years ago. It is has been a difficult journey at times, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. You truly learn about yourself in times of despair. When the chips are down, how are you going to react?

Three major reasons inspired me to write this book:
1. To give sons and daughters everywhere a chance to express their grief in whatever way they feel is appropriate for them.
2. To raise continued awareness for heart disease, which is currently one of the leading causes of death in all Americans.
3. To raise $1 million for Habitat for Humanity through donations from the book.

I want to encourage other people to share their stories as well. Please feel comfortable to share your story, as it needs to be told if you wish. Thank you!

Thank you to all of you who have supported this cause so far. I am eternally greatful and I know my Dad would be as well. I am hoping to post twice a week on this blog and questions and comments are encouraged.