Well, it’s November 1st again. A day that’s always seemed to hold some kind of significance over the years: the day to start secretly swapping out my brother’s Halloween candy…an upcoming college visit circled on the calendar…the date of a first exhibition game…my Hallmark anniversary…and now, The Day Dad Died.

I’ve shared quite a bit about that experience. I wrote about it last year on this this day. And I’ll likely continue to write about it every November 1st. Because, among other things, this day will always remind me of a promise I made to him: to write more often.

But today, I don’t have any emotional or poignant insights, Dad. I don’t have any eloquence or clever turns-of-phrase. You deserve all that. I just can’t find it today. I have a 6-page paper due tomorrow night that I (surprise, surprise) haven’t started. I have to Google a bunch of words the dentist used today when he filled half of Suzy’s cavities. And I have to psychoanalyze at least 3 conversations I’ve had this week where I’m pretty sure I offended someone. So, I’m spent.

Instead, I’d like to pay tribute to you today by reverting to our old standby method of showing affection—humor, sarcasm, and making fun of each other. It might seem kind of one-sided today, but…tough shit. You’re not here.

So, I have a few new acquisitions I’d like to review with you:

Mom bequeathed to me your old South Middle School….uh…I guess you might call it a handbook? a master planner? …and it was quite a treasure. I dare any educator to put together a more complete resource!

“Ah…this donkey one’ll really get ‘em!” you probably muttered.

Also, on a scale of 1-10, how nervous were you that your Critical Thinking wheel would get misplaced? I see that it’s labeled on both sides

I mean, were they in high demand? We get it…it’s yours.

Now here is a moment in time…

Day-um! Pete the Cat’s got nothing on the Shrivers!

You look like Bull Hurley from “Over the Top” if he wasn’t a professional arm wrestler. Judging by the apparel, this was the South Dakota trip right after Ryan had just won the Nationals Hoop Shoot, and Granny Marlene couldn’t wait to introduce him to Father Farke.  I, on the other hand, don’t appear to be winning at anything except color blocking.

I think I’ll end this November 1st with a few episodes of The Office, especially the one where Michael Scott declares, BANKRUPTCY! Our favorite. I need a good laugh.

I love you, Dad. Promise I’ll come up with something better next year.

P.S. You kept this?! ❤️