Five years and the eve.

The year ends softly. 

It has been a good one.

Tonight? I am looking at the moon, full and bright, and thinking about five years ago.

New Year's Eve was my Dad's last night on earth.

He died in the early morning hours of New Year's Day, 2013. 

For the next several New Year's Eves I lit a paper lantern and sent it off into the night sky in remembrance of Dad. This year? I did not buy the paper lantern.

However, I did find two old sparklers leftover from my 60th birthday a year ago.

So. In remembrance of you, dear Dad, I sparkled. 

From the song, Stardust, by Hoagy Carmichael...

Sometimes I wonder why I spend

The lonely night dreaming of a song

The melody haunts my reverie

And I am once again with you

When our love was new

And each kiss and inspiration

But that was long ago

Now my consolation

Is in the stardust of a song

My peace fill your home in the New Year.