Thursday marks two years since my dad, Jim Dickson, passed away after a lengthy illness.
And every day for the last two years — some days more than others — I’ve thought about Dad. There are days when the pain of not having him here is still strong, but I’ve come to grips with the reality that he’s not a phone call away; I won’t see him at Christmas.
Even after two years, I still miss sharing some of the moments of games and athletes I cover with Dad. It was hard not being able to call him when Crestview High School’s baseball team beat Navarre 1-0 in an 18-inning game in 2014.
Dad would have been happy to hear about Baker winning district championships in volleyball and basketball. And even though he never met Crestview basketball coaches Kathy Combest and Greg Watson, he would have been happy for their teams' success the past two seasons.
Dad would have loved the SEC television network. He would welcome all things Tennessee Volunteers shared on the channel. Dad and I would talk all things Tennessee, too.
I could have used a big dose of Dad the past few weeks as I’ve gone through shoulder surgery and started recovering. His tough love and encouragement would have helped during some of the times I’ve struggled with things. I also have missed his prayers to get me through these times.
In his own way, Dad taught me the toughness a man needs in so many life’s circumstances, and I’ve called on that toughness in recent weeks. Dad taught me to be a man of faith, and I rely on that faith each day.
There’s an old baseball sitting on the mantle at my house. The signatures are faded, but it is a memento of the last game of catch Dad and I played more than 20 years ago.
In so many ways, the countless games of catch defined and shaped our relationship.
Throwing a baseball around the backyard, Dad and I were one and, for a few minutes during those games of catch, equal.
Two years after Dad left us, I’m still amazed by our relationship; it remains a blessing.
I might shed some tears Thursday, but that will be OK. The tears will be a mixture of sadness and joy for the relationship temporarily separated by the gulf between Heaven and earth.
I will celebrate the life of Jim Dickson: husband, dad, coach, preacher and friend.
I am blessed to have such a man as Jim Dickson as my dad.
Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DICKSON: Remembering Dad