5 years? Really? 5 years? I cannot fathom the time that has flown by these past 5 years.  How can one describe the loneliness without you here in our lives? No words can amount to the pain, sadness that my family and I have endured of not having the man I looked up to, in our lives anymore.  You were taken from us to early Dad, I often look around and see the awful fathers that aren't even apart of their children's lives, and think to myself.. "Why couldn't it of been that guy, instead of my dad?"  Selfish I know.. However, think? have you lost your everything? Cause if you have, then you've also thought these thoughts.

With all that said, I am still thankful for the time that my father had to walk this earth.  He was a man of giving, he always did things for everyone without asking anything in return.  Everyone knew him in town as the guy that just kept on giving, from the many things he would make or fix for people.  The extra hand in building something, whether it was a house, or giving someone in need a ride home.

He was a loving husband to my mom for 20 years.  He was a loving father to Kayla and myself.  But most of all he was my best friend.  He was my rock, my hero, he'd get up at 4:30A.M. in the morning travel to Bangor for work by 6 a.m. and be home at 6PM, or sometimes later..However even though he was tired, and worn out,he would still have time to toss a ball around, shoot hoops, or take me fishing or hunting.  Then still hang out with sis, and take her for a four wheeler ride.  And talk about his day with mom and listen to how her day went.  He was our everything, and yes, I feel that his life was short lived, but I believe that anyone that came into contact or anyone that has heard of my Father.. Is and will say that they are a better person for have known what a great man my father was.

So Dad, happy birthday in heaven, I promise to keep my nose clean, my head held high, take care of our family, and be the man that you have brought me up to be.  I only hope and pray that I can be half the dad/man that you was to me. I love you and you better not forget it!

"One day your life is gonna flash before your eyes bud, make sure its damn well worth watching" -Thomas M. Braley Sr.

Love you daddy,

Love your son,

TJ