My father had a big heart and was always there for people in their time of need. If you needed someone to talk to, he was always there—no matter what, he would listen without judgment and offer his sympathy and support. But my father would also tell it like it is; he was honest and straightforward, and you could always count on him to be real with you.
Growing up, we lived in a trailer park, and my dad was there for anybody—no matter what it was, from fixing a porch to replacing the flooring. It didn’t matter the time of day, whether it was one in the morning or one in the afternoon, he was there for the community. I remember all of my friends and kids I didn’t even know well would come to my father for help with their bikes or skateboards—or even if we needed to be bailed out. He wouldn’t just fix things and send us on our way; he would teach us how to fix them ourselves. My father wasn’t just a father to me, but also to some of my best friends. He would play tag, chase us around at the park, and take us swimming. There was never a dull moment growing up with my friends while my father was around.
He was special not just to our family, but to his friends as well. If you ever met my father, you would never forget him—he left an impression like no other. He wasn’t always this way; like everyone, he had his struggles, but that never stopped him from being the great father and friend he was. Another wonderful thing about my father was his love and compassion for animals—not just his own, but all animals. His kindness extended to every living creature, and he always tried to help those who couldn’t help themselves.
Now that he has passed away, I want to honor his life with a service that reflects the love and kindness he shared with so many. It’s difficult for me to pay for this on my own, as I am living paycheck to paycheck. Any support you can offer, no matter how small, will help us celebrate my father’s life and give him the tribute he deserves. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this difficult time.