As you’ve learned through experience, life is unpredictable. Tomorrow isn’t promised. If you had known I was going to pass when I did, was there anything you would have done or said? Probably. But that doesn’t matter. What does matter is those still alive.
Who needs to be forgiven? Who needs to be told you love them? Who needs just a simple call or text so they know you’re thinking about them? So much in life is trivial, yet sometimes it takes death to see it. Don’t make this mistake. Let life make you see it. Love life. And love others.
Make every moment count. There are definitely things I did on earth that turned out to be a waste of time. But the moments that did count? Playing legos with Autumn. Holding Macy in my lap. Going on family vacations. Being a witness at work. Hosting Christmas dinner every year. Making a huge deal out of my kids’ birthdays. Going to Disney all the time. Working various side jobs to make ends meet. Putting family first before self.
I love that you all love each other so much. It’s why I did so many of the things I did in life. To build a close family. To watch you carry that on shows me it was all worth it.
Michelle, you looked so happy on your wedding day and I’m glad you included me in special ways. And now that you’re a mom, it makes me proud to see the love you pour into your daughter. It reminds me of when you were born and how me and your mom vowed to be the best parents we could be. I chose to stay in a position at work that would allow me to be with my family as much as possible and I’m so glad to see you making those same decisions.
Melissa, you amaze me with everything you do. Ever since you were little you made me and your mom smile. And you’re still doing it, for your husband, your daughters and more importantly, for your mom when she’s having a tough day. Your daughters are best friends with each other, just like you and Michelle were while growing up. I know I helped instill that and I’m so proud you’re carrying that on.
Melanie, ever since you cut your own bangs as a four year old, I knew you were going to be my independent spirited child. You did so good in New York City and set out to accomplish goals there and you did! You took all those skills and moved to Orlando, a city I was grooming us all to live in one day. You love your nieces as much as your older sisters loved you when growing up. You’re a dedicated aunt and I know one day you’ll be a wonderful mom too.
Matthew, remember in first grade when you wanted to be a turkey for the Thanksgiving show because no one else was? You wanted to stand out and be unique. You still are! I know you’re so smart and can learn so many things just because you want to. You sure know how to have fun and play with your nieces. Keep doing that because they loved playing legos with me, so I need you to do that with them. Keep taking good care of your mom.
Lori, one day we will be united, but for now I need you to stay with the kids. After taking care of them their whole lives, let them take care of you. They’re doing a good job of keeping you busy...and exhausted! You’re the one who’s gotta be both grandma and up-da to our three granddaughters. Our goal of family first has to be carried on through you and passed on to Autumn, Macy and Maddy.
My legacy lives on in each of you. Thank you for keeping my memory alive by being who you are and how you choose to live.
Stay strong. Keep your love for each other strong too.
Dad.
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