Honor a Loving Father: Support His Family

Dad <3

My dad is and forever will be the strongest man I know. He worked hard and took pride in everything he did; he took care of me and my brother Kage no matter what. Although, when he wanted to relax, he would go out golfing with some buddies and hit up the Swansea Gridiron. He was just about to turn 45, and everyone was ready to celebrate with him. He truly supported all of us, and his support lives on through the people who loved him. Through his example, I learned to surround myself with people who will always be there for me. Even though I can’t tell him now, my dad will forever be the biggest pillar in my life, and he’s left his mark on many others. I have learned about all of the good things he’s done for people without them having to ask, and I hope to one day fill those shoes and set that example for others as he did for me.

His passing was sudden and unexpected. I know he was nowhere near ready to leave us behind. I lived here with my dad and Grammy for a few years, but we weren’t prepared for any house payments or funeral costs that would come with his untimely loss. I am 18 trying to take care of this house with my Grammy, and we want to hold onto this house because he worked so hard to make it a home. We lost our loved one, and he deserves to rest knowing his mother and daughter are secure and that he will be honored with a proper funeral.

He’s left me with more strength and courage than I've ever felt in my whole life. He would tell me, “Don’t overthink it so much, and just take the next step, one at a time.” I know he’s proud of me, and I know he’s proud of every person who has reached out with a helping hand and those that have kept him in their thoughts. This has not been easy for anyone, but we’ll all be in it together. Let’s all use the strength that he’s left behind for us and use it to build a new pillar of his legacy.