It's been 20 years.

It was 20 years ago today that we lost someone who was so influential in so many peoples lives even to this day.

July 20, 1999 was the day that my Dad passed away and left a heck of a legacy behind, some of which he never had the opportunity to meet. 

Six Children, Eight Grandchildren were his legacy that he had left behind. There are also Six Great-Grandchildren and soon to me a Seventh. 

A lot has happened in the 20 years that have passed in the years since his passing at an age younger than half of his children. There have been Picnics, Graduations, Marriages, Births, Deaths and a range of emotions from Joy and Laughter to Sorrow and Mourning So much has happened since his passing, but his memories and influence has been there every step of the way. 

The next generations have heard statements like "Roads are Getting Bad" or asking if you liked the potato or macaroni salad and then after acknowledging it was good to say "I cut my fingers three times making it". "I've had a Belly Full" when he was angry or after a large dinner he would ask if you want some Cheesecake, and after acknowledging you did he would say "Good so Do I, but we don't have none". 

He was a Coal Miner by Trade, but he was a Master Chef by passion. When I hear people talk of my Father, the Food and the Cookouts are always one of the first things mentioned. If you had ever had the honor of attending one, it would be one that you carry memories of to this day. Food was in large quantities, and a lot of different things. If there were 10 people for a cookout, he would prepare enough food for 50 just in case someone else would show up and he didn't want anyone to go hungry. 

Twenty Years. Time goes by too quick.