And then I'll hug his neck....

Disclaimer: Today’s blog post has absolutely nothing to do with live events or New Year’s resolutions. But it is MY blog, so today I’ve made an executive editorial decision.

This is my favorite picture of me and my grandfather. Right before my aunt snapped the picture, I said, "Granddaddy, put your legs up like mine!" I've always been a big fan of awesome photo poses.

For the last nine years, St. Patrick’s Day has made me a little sad. I’ve always associated the celebration with Granddaddy’s birthday, which falls on March 18. Even though he’s been gone for nine years now, the day stays with me. It feels so strange not to be able to call him up and wish him a happy birthday or go order a cake with a big old John Deere tractor on it.

Tomorrow he would be 84 years old.

What would he think of the person I've become? He used to be so scared that my desire to be a journalist would send me to some war-torn country and he’d never see me again. I think he would be happy that I've stayed close by and created a good life for myself. I know he would've been thrilled to see me walk across the stage at Wingate University and get my degree, the first one in his family.

I know that no matter what, even if I dyed my hair purple and sold turnip greens by the side of the road, he would be proud of me. He loved me unconditionally, no matter what. I would still be his baby girl. And putting my arms around his neck would still be one of the best feelings on earth.

But he’s not here. I had 21 wonderful years with him and then cancer hit our lives and took him away from my family. Since he’s been gone, I would give anything to have just one more birthday with him, just one more talk, just more time.

It was too late for Granddaddy and he passed away peacefully at home the day after Father’s Day, surrounded with love from my mom and dad.

It’s not too late for others. Cancer is something that can be cured and it is something that can be stopped. The new American Cancer Society More Birthdays campaign wants you and your loved ones to have more birthdays. Go to their website, pay for one of your favorite artists to send a personalized birthday greeting and help fight cancer.

One of my favorite is Darius Rucker. You can see his greeting here. Make a donation today for those that you love. And yourself.

Happy Birthday, Granddaddy.

“I’m going to walk with my Granddaddy. And he’ll match me step for step. And I’ll tell him that I loved him every minute since he left. And then I’ll hug his neck.” –Brad Paisley