Things I want to tell my dad...: Another One Bites the Dust

It happened....your Stacey Jo got engaged. I haven't really talked about Chris yet because as I have been repeatedly told by Stacey he is a (in her words) "very private person". He came out in May to meet the fam and you could tell Stacey liked him a lot because she had "that look". I have to admit it was very strange to see Stacey with a *gulp* man because he is her first boyfriend so my first inclination was to tell him to get his big, greasy, slimy paws off of her...but I guess that's how she felt when Bryan came around so I can't really say much! hehehe He survived his visit with minimal (emotional and psychological) damage and apparently we didn't scare him off because he stuck around despite our best efforts to put him through the ringer. hehehehe He doesn't talk much when you first meet him, which you know me...that kind of weirds me out because I can't stop talking most of the time...but he opened up and we got to hear his "Missouri accent" and all his crazy stories that make me surprised he is still alive. Now, I do have to say it wasn't until we visited MO a few weeks ago that I really got to know him better because he was in his element so he was more laid back and talkative. He took us to Cheddars for dinner and then to Andy's for dessert custard. I am not sure if that was a pro or con on my "list" because it made me totally sick...but I guess he didn't make me order the chicken fried chicken then get a chocolate, peanut butter, carmel, custard thing for dessert. haha They have only been together for about...6 months or so but I guess when you are *that* old why waste time?! hahaha So today I got the call and I knew something was up because she had an urgency to get to the end of the story. I knew he was getting her a necklace because mommy had told me earlier in the week he had showed her pics of it (and let's be honest, we can't keep secrets!) but by the way she was talking I knew there was much more. She is obviously on cloud...15 and we are very happy to see her so happy! She deserves someone to love her and adore her as much as you did...and I think he will! We (me, mom, and the sisters) always said that she needed someone who could get her to lighten up and just enjoy life and Chris seems to do that for her.
After you passed away last year I told her that I really felt that God had kept her single in order for her to be able to help mommy take care of you. Madeline and I have hubbies and families to take care of and emotionally we really couldn't handle everything that was needed to care for you 24/7. Stacey bore the burden of caring for you and stayed strong like a seasoned pro. I admire her more than I can say for how much she went through emotionally just helping mom (and you) in those final weeks. The mere site of you so worn and frail was too much for me most of the time but she put all of that aside and focused on YOU. I feel so selfish that I couldn't handle it and it's one regret I have but God gave Stacey grace times a million to be there for you and for mom. I know she broke down often but over all her strength was something only God could have given her. I told her at that time that God had told me He would bring her Mister Right along very soon and I guess I was right. We don't always know why God does what He does, but I can see so clearly that He really did have Stacey in His plan to be available for you and mom during such a horrible experience and then would bring her joy after her sorrow! God is still on the Throne and He is good!
On our way home tonight from your house as we got on the freeway it all hit me and tears started streaming down my face. I realized she wouldn't have her daddy to walk her down the aisle...she wouldn't have a daddy/daughter dance with you...and you won't get to see your firstborn baby girl marry the man of her dreams. My heart is grieving all those things for her because I know this is not how any of us imagined her Special Day being....without you here. It's a really hard pill to swallow and another loop on our grief "chart". So even though my heart is sooo happy for her it is also heavy for what is missing...you.
You are loved and missed more as the days pass!
Your Favorite Second Born,
Carley
Thought I would walk down memory lane and post some pics of your little Stacey Jo. I don't have too many since I am not at your house but I have a few. She is the spitten' image of mommy...lucky her because I am YOUR twin! haha

Stacey and I at my bridal shower...she was my maid of honor so I told her that that means she has to return the favor...no big deal if she doesn't...I just will hold it over her head for the next 50 years. bahaha