Memories of February

Three years ago tomorrow, February 3rd, 2004, Eric Richards "Rick" McKague celebrated his 48th birthday. Actually, he celebrated two days earlier on Sunday, February 1st. Superbowl Sunday, because he was a HUGE football fanatic.

But, it was February 3rd that was his actual birthday. It was a low-key day, he spent the evening with his daughter and just stayed in and relaxed. Even his celebration on Sunday had been low-key, he had spent time with a few of his friends, watched the Superbowl and had cake and lasanga. All very simple, but fun.

Why is this important? Because 18 days later, on February 21st, 2004, Rick McKague would be killed in a car accident. That birthday would be the last he'd ever celebrate, the last occasion of any kind that he would ever celebrate.

As any who read this blog know, Rick McKague was my father. Tomorrow would be his 51st birthday and in three weeks, it'll be the third anniversary of his death. Naturally, because of those things, I've been thinking about him a lot these last few days and I probably will think about him more in the days to come.

I can't help but wonder how my parents and I would be celebrating tomorrow if my father was still alive. What would we be doing for his birthday? Most likely, we'd probably wait until Sunday to do anything, since if he could manange it, Daddy loved celebrating his birthday on Superbowl Sunday.

I'm going home this weekend, because it's also my grandfather's birthday--He'll be 97, how cool is that! Also, because I just can't not go home this weekend. I need to be in Castleton, with my mom and with my memories. But, of course, it won't be the same as it might have been. That hits me a lot, the idea of what might've been, if only...

I know that's a dangerous road to go down, but this time of year I can't help it. Too many memories associated with this month, both bitter and sweet...