Almost every night for the last two years I have sat down at the computer and looked at a few pictures of Johnny before going to bed. I'm not sure whether or not that's healthy, but until I get a call from Dr. Phil I'm probably going to keep doing it. A few days ago I was going through some pictures of Johnny skating. Pictures I have probably looked at at least a hundred times since he has passed, but this time I noticed something I had somehow been missing before. As I looked at one picture of Johnny doing an ollie it really struck me how happy he looked. I had always noticed his smile, but for some reason this time I was left with the impression that he was truly happy in that moment. When I went back through the other pictures I saw the same thing. He didn't just look like he was enjoying what he was doing, he looked like he was doing something he loved. It makes me smile knowing that Johnny had those moments.
What's changed in a year? This time last year going through those pictures would leave me with a tear in my eye (or maybe crying like a baby). Now I sometimes find myself smiling at those same memories.
Johnny,
You are the bravest person I have ever known. I love you, and I miss you very much.
Love,
Dad
