Gilda M. Buckley:  

This is my favorite photograph. Although it was taken at one of the saddest times of my life, I'm so glad I have it so I can remininse about my life with Dad and Mom. You see, this picture was taken during the Celebration of Life after my Mom passed away in January 2008. Almost all of my siblings were able to make it home for Mom's funeral. My brother, Mike, was critically ill, so his family was unable to come from Las Vegas. Very understandably, they wanted to stay by his side. My sister, Fran, my brother Jim, his family, wife Lynn, daughters Kim and Tanja, sons Tom and Derek were also present. My son, David and his fiance, Emily, came from MS. My oldest son, Brian and wife Barb, couldn't make it due to work related issues. Dad was so very pleased to see so many of his grandchildren! He loved them all so very much. Yes, I did say loved. You see, this was the last picture I would ever have taked wth my Dad. Dad passed away on September 25, 2008. As much as I missed my Mom and I missed her dearly, for some reason that I cannot explain, I miss my Dad more than I ever imagined I would. Dad always called me his buddy. I loved that! We used to go to the Home Depot together and shop for stuff like sprinkler heads, anyt...Expand for more