As I came upstairs tonight, I was feeling down knowing David is never coming upstairs again. I recognized the sound of his footstep so well. It used to be fast and energetic.

As the disease started taking a toll on David, the speed and energy of his steps also changes. Regardless, I looked forward to hearing his steps as he came upstairs at the end of his workday. In many cases, it indicated the sign of playtime with the girls, pre-dinner snacking, questions about dinner, discussions about the latest gadget on gizmodo and other random conversations.

The sound of David’s steps as he came upstairs was also a predictor of how he was feeling, the slower and longer he took indicated that he was having a rough day. I listen for his steps and was delighted when he could join in the bath time or bedtime routine. I also remained optimistic that his steps will return with its usual energetic and powerful stomps.

I miss looking forward to David’s footsteps, I am sad knowing it is never to be heard again. I am grateful for the girls and the sound of their footsteps. Steps which are relatively powerful especially relative to their sizes. Steps that I hear just in the nick of time to cheer me up.