Daddy.

Today is my dad’s birthday. Losing a loved one is hard. When that person is a parent, it’s one of the hardest. At least that has been the case for me. My daddy passed away on September 10, 2020. Although he battled cancer for several years, we didn’t expect him to be gone so quickly. It still doesn’t seem real.

Sometimes, avoiding the fact that he’s gone makes it easier. I try to not think about it often. When I do, rather than sitting in sadness I’m trying to focus on the good times and find a way to smile vs. cry. I lose that battle quite often to be honest.

Our relationship wasn’t always as solid as it was when he passed. I recall purposely trying to upset him because I was angry about his lack of presence during my younger years. Much like him I was stubborn and hard headed. Nonetheless, he apologized and wrote me a poem called “Tik tok - my heart the clock.” Cheesy title but it changed everything for our relationship. Now that he’s gone I can’t find that poem anywhere and it sucks.

My dad and I bonded over our faith and the way God moved in our lives. He changed his life for his kids (all 8 of us) and himself. He wanted to be a better example and he was. I don’t know anyone stronger than him. No one. I wish everyone in the world had the chance to get to know him.

Doctors originally didn’t know how much time he would have with us since his stage 4 colon cancer had spread to his liver… but God. He gave him 8 more years with us. He had time to touch others lives and make a difference, time to be a good example for his sons and daughters, and time to be there for my Nana and Papa when they needed him the most. He may not have always gotten it right but I was so proud of the man he became.

If you met my dad, he was bound to make you laugh. If his jokes weren’t funny, his laugh alone was enough to crack you up. I can hear it now. He had the biggest heart. He was always so proud of me and made sure I knew it. He was a talented artists like my grandparents. His drawings and wood carvings/walking sticks were amazing. I could go on and on.

As much as it hurts that he isn’t here with us in the flesh, I’m so grateful God gave him to us for the time he did.

Sincerely,

Chanel