Honoring My Dad’s Legacy and Navigating Life Without Him

Dear friends, family, and compassionate souls,

On Thanksgiving, a day meant for gratitude and togetherness, my world was turned upside down. I lost my dad, my best friend, and the man who raised me. Of course, he would choose a national holiday to go—if you knew him, you’d understand. He always went big. But now I’m left here, shattered, trying to figure out how to move forward without him. Everyone says I have to “keep living,” but how do you do that when the person you lived for is gone?

For four long, hard years, my dad fought end-stage kidney failure with a strength and determination that amazed everyone around him. There were times he was told he had days to live, multiple times but he didn’t accept that. He fought back, defied the odds, and held on. Not for himself, but for me. He always said he couldn’t leave until he was sure I was raised and good on my own. And he meant it.

When the time came, we sat by his side and told funny stories, just like he wanted. He listened until he knew it was okay to let go. Even in death, my dad left on his terms. He wasn’t defeated, he went undefeated.

But now that he’s gone, I don’t know what’s next. He was my everything, my one constant, my biggest support, the only family I’ve ever had. Who do I call now? Who do I talk to? When will his location stop showing up on my phone? Will I ever feel him again? I know I told him it was okay to stop suffering, and I meant it. But while it was the right thing for him, it feels like the hardest thing for me.

Over the past few years, his illness brought not only emotional challenges but also a significant financial burden. I missed countless days of work to be there for him, whether it was sitting with him in the hospital, driving an hour to bring him food/supplies or just holding his hand and being there for him. Now, I’m facing memorial expenses, upcoming bills and the reality of needing more time to grieve and heal than my five days of paid bereavement leave will allow.

I’m reaching out humbly to ask for your support, whether it’s through a donation, sharing this post, or simply sending a kind word. Your generosity will help me cover the costs of honoring my dad’s memory and give me the time I need to begin to rebuild my life without him.

I promise to carry him with me wherever I go and leave a little piece of him in all the places we dreamed of visiting together. And I’ll hold on to the hope that his next journey is full of peace and ease, free from the struggles of this life.

Daddy, you were my true love, my kindest supporter, and my forever hero. I love you always and forever. Thank you for everything.

With love and gratitude, your daughter.