My dad died, and while it wasn’t unexpected, I still wasn’t ready.  A wise woman once said, “it’s always sudden,” and she’s completely correct. I knew it was coming for 5 years, and yet… it was still sudden. I think it’s the difference between knowledge and knowing, a lesson he taught me well.  I miss him so much. Growing up, he was my best friend, my hero, the one who taught me lessons that few people ever learn, much less teach. He wasn’t like any of the other dads, which at one point probably embarrassed me, but as I grew up, I cherished that. Our relationship was unique – I…