Hi everyone, my name is Geneva Tran. My dad is Thang Tran, most of you knew him as Shorty. Yesterday, 3/29/26, I lost my dad.

My dad had been battling liver cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes for over a year. All the time I had, I should’ve been preparing, but I was in denial and honestly horrified of even the thought of losing him. I always believed he would pull through—he was so strong, so resilient. I thought we were going to be one of those miracle stories where he beats a terminal illness, then we make the news or something lol. He had been through a lot of struggles in his life, some things that most people don’t go through in a lifetime, and he persevered through each obstacle. I truly thought he would be here with me forever. To be honest, I’m still kinda in denial. I have this little feeling that he’s going to wake up and everything’s going to be okay. I’m only 20 years old. I have my whole life ahead of me, and I imagined him there every step of the way. He’s the one who’d walk me down the aisle. He’s supposed to watch me walk the stage when I graduate nursing school. He’d be there to hold my firstborn child. I just can’t believe all of those things were just ripped away from me overnight. Not even a week ago, when we’d talk, we’d talk about the future and our plans. What do you mean he’s not going to be in those plans anymore? I’m still trying to come to terms with it all.

My dad was a deeply respected man in our community. Everywhere I went, people would tell me how kind, generous, loyal, and big-hearted he was. Hearing how much he meant to others has brought me comfort and reminded me how incredible he truly was. I am so proud to be his daughter.

Now that he’s gone, I feel completely shattered. I miss him more than words can explain. I would give anything just to talk to him one more time—to tell him how much I love him and how sorry I am that I couldn’t do more. I wish I could have taken all of his pain away and carried it myself. Watching him suffer was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced, but I will always cherish every moment I got to spend with him.

I avoided thinking about this day for so long that now that it’s here, I feel completely unprepared. I haven’t even had the chance to fully grieve because I’m now faced with the overwhelming reality of hospital and funeral expenses.

If you are able to help in any way, my family and I would be endlessly grateful. I just want to give my dad the proper burial and service he deserves. I wasn’t able to take away his pain while he was here, but I hope I can honor him now with something beautiful.

I love and miss you so much, Daddy. I’m trying my best to be strong, but I just really want my daddy, and it hurts knowing I can’t sit and laugh with you anymore. I love your jokes; I can’t name anyone who can come up with such clever, witty jokes as fast as you can. I miss the way you’d criticize my driving every time we went somewhere, but we always went over a few curbs when you drove haha. I hope you’re walking around heaven in your comfortable shoes. I hope your massage gun never breaks again. And I hope you’re up there eating anything and everything. Endless honeydew from Tastea and crazy chicken (El Pollo Loco). And endless head and leg massages. It’s going to take me a long time to get over this. Just know I miss you, I appreciate you for everything, and I love you so much. I just wanted what was best for you. Goodbye, Daddy, just rest now.

Thank you so much for your support, prayers, and kindness.

God bless you all.