Michael Paul Valdez was not only my father, but my best friend and the heart of our family. He loved my children deeply, always ready to drop anything he was doing to help us, whether it was watching the kids, carrying groceries, or parking my car. He gave back love a thousand times more to those who showed him kindness, and I was everything to him. We shared a passion for thrifting and making money together, always looking for ways to make life a little brighter.

When we learned he had stage 4 stomach and esophagus cancer, our world changed overnight. The kids adored him, especially my two-year-old, who only ever asked for mom, dad, and grandpa. We spent countless days in the hospital, cherishing every moment we had left. Michael loved his own car, and one of his favorite things was washing it, always making sure it looked its best. His passing has left a huge hole in our lives, and now we face the difficult task of laying him to rest.

Funeral expenses are overwhelming, and I want to honor his memory with a proper burial or a headstone, though the final arrangements are not yet decided. Dear family and friends, your support would mean so much to us. Michael never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him, but a funeral will help us say our goodbyes and celebrate the love he gave to everyone around him.