Today is a sad anniversary for our family. It was a year ago today that Angie’s dad, Gary lost his two and a half year bout with pancreatic cancer. In honor of his time with us, the Minnesota contingent of the Hanning clan got together for a dinner. Angie was able to head in that direction already for Christmas so she will be able to join them for this celebration. I however, won’t be able to attend the festivities, so this is my contribution.
I have been around the family long enough that I truly felt like Gary was my second father. I miss his stories (even if he would tell you the same story 10 times in a day), his kindheartedness, and his no nonsense way of life. He was a big role model in my life, and I know that he touched many others in this same way. He lived with his cancer with a dignity, grace, and perseverance that no one who encountered him during this time will soon forget. We love you Gary and you are missed every day.
