Today marks the 36th anniversary of my father’s passing. A lifetime has passed, yet not a day goes by without my thoughts turning to him. It still feels like yesterday, but I’ve known for a long time that this kind of pain never truly fades. It has left an eternal mark on my soul, my essence, my life. My childhood came to an end on the day he died. Whenever he crosses my mind, the devastated child within me starts shedding endless tears. The pain is so raw, I can almost reach out and touch it. I often find myself wondering if he would be proud of my brother and me… proud of the people we’ve become, of our accomplishments, proud of his children who have done their best with the hand life dealt them. The memories we shared, the lessons he taught us, and the love he gave will always remain a guiding force in our lives. His absence is a constant reminder of the impact he had, not just on us, but on everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him. We hold onto the moments of joy and laughter, treasuring them as precious gifts that continue to bring warmth to our hearts. As time moves forward, his spirit lives on through the love, kindness, and resilience he instilled in us. He will forever be a part of us, shaping our choices, influencing our perspectives, and inspiring us to live our lives with the same grace and compassion that he embodied. We miss you so much, daddy. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.