Paige, without tears...

I look forward to the time I can think or talk about Paige without shedding tears. James and I competed 8 years for her affection and I can barely forgive him for taking over the number one spot in Paige's life. I knew her for 21 years longer and loved her more than life. I still love her and would give my life to be with her. I know that is impossible, but I can't believe how hard it is to live each day without her.

I have many stories of her and sharing my life with her, this is one...

Paige was always such a good sport, she would accompany me on many of my outdoor adventures. She never did come running up to me asking to go hunting, but she did go many times, I know it was more to please me than to hunt.

This particular trip, I shot a duck on a pond out in the prairies of  Eastern Montana, and the duck landed in the middle of the pond. With a little coaxing, she volunteered to shed her pants to wade out to get the duck as long as we wouldn't look. I promised her that we wouldn't look and she went on her way. It wasn't long and I pulled out the camera and yelled to her. You can see her pulling down her shirt.

She brought the duck back, I got this cute picture of her holding the duck with her usual good-natured smile. I can't remember ever seeing her without that gorgeous smile that penetrated to her soul. This was a beautiful day spent with Paige and Jesse, hunting antelope in Montana. We shared so many adventures such as this and I thank God for cameras and memories that allow me to reflect back on those times, wondering why they have come to an end.

Some day I will see her again, but for now, I have photo albums and lots of good memories to help me through the dark times of our separation. I can't hear a song, see a bird in the sky, or experience anything during the day without relating it somehow to my dear Paige. I love you and you know it, I just wish I could hold you and tell you in person...Dad