I am sitting here at my desk working on my notes for my maternity leave and I started scanning the numerous pictures of Ronin that I have on all the walls of my cubicle. And then I come across a picture of my father – that was taken after he had the stroke. His smile is so big and genuine and his eyes are so sweet and inviting. And I am moved to tears. He has been gone now for 9 years and although the pain has subsided there are moments like now that I feel a quite desperation to hug him and have his kiss me on the cheek. As I approach the final countdown before my little girl is born I think about what life would be like if he was still here. And I wish he could have lived to see my children - o know and love them and for them to know and love him. I know how much he would have adored my Ronin (whom I named for him) and reveled in his energy and moxy and spirit for discovery - and for my future baby girl who I also named for him (in a way) and for my Great-Grandma Annie. I hope he watches over us and is comforted by our successes and happiness. I’m really missing him today.