One week from today – I will marry my Julie. Almost everyone I know will be there. From my family, to Julie’s family, to my friends, colleagues, co-workers, past co-workers and old friends…

…everyone – except my father.

Today would have been his 68th birthday. Julie and I were supposed to get married today in honor of him – but the hotel we booked did not have today available. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to kissing Julie for the first time as my bride – but what I would give if my dad was there to see it.

I am now one year younger then my dad was when he passed away. Not a day goes by that I do not think about him. Even this morning, as I listened to songs that remind me of him – Julie had to wipe the tears off of my face – because to me – he died yesterday.

The hardest thing about me losing my dad is that I cannot experience modern life with him. Things like cell phones, instant messaging, home computers, cable television and e-mail did not exist when he was alive. What I would give to hear my cell phone ring, grab my phone and see the word “Dad” on my screen. How often I wonder what my dad would have chosen as his e-mail address – and I wish more then anything that – of all the comments this column will get – that there was only one – and it was from him.

As of late, now that I am getting married – I have been contemplating about having a child of my own. I am hopeful that mine and Julie’s child will be healthy, happy and wonderful – but I only hope that I will be a fraction of the father that Edward Wein was to me. He was kind, gentle, loving, caring – and nothing short of amazing. I pray that my child – Edward if a boy and Penny if a girl – looks up and respects me half as much as I respect my father.

I cried today, but I smile knowing that – even though my father will not physically be at my wedding – he will be there in spirit – and with me all the days of my life.

Happy birthday daddy. I love you.

Thank you Diane Raintree.