Ten Years

Dear Dad,

10 years have gone by and I still miss you just the same. Unfortunately when people pass, they are shortly forgotten and the world continues on without them. Not you. You are remembered, honored, and talked about every day and that is what I call truly leaving a legacy behind. People who have come into our lives since your passing feel like they already know you because your knowledge, witty sense of humor and memories are shared constantly; their only wish is they got to actually meet this incredible man everyone is so fond of. Looking back at the past ten years seems like a blur, I wouldn’t even know where to begin filling you in but then I stop and remember you have been by my side for each and every endeavor. Your passing built resilience in me- I’ve been able to endure things that would make most people crumble. It showed me the fragility of life and how to really make this one shot count. Letting go of the small stuff, diving in your passions, and to live authentically and unapologetic.

Thank you for the many blessings you sent and continue to send our way. Nobody questions that you sent Jaidyn Leon to us to revive the love in our family and give my brother something worth fighting for. The dynamic between them is heartwarming and so similar to our bond. He is the most incredible father- and certainly learned from the best. I’ve expressed how important the father/daughter dynamic is to him and how it will ultimately shape her into the woman she becomes. Then, our beautiful Luca Dash was born and he softened my brother and will give him the opportunity to support his son in the so many ways you did for your children.

Thank you for filling my life with so much joy and memories I can hold onto for the rest of my life. Looking back I would go on a million more of your “errand runs” that you would say would only last an hour but somehow we were gone the entire day. Car rides to grandma Cam’s in your red truck listening to Keith Sweat (some will think that’s a wildly inappropriate choice to be rocking “Nobody” with your pops- haha but I loved it). Once I got older, I cherished the time you would come and visit me up in Seattle on your motorcycle and the trip to Boston where we got to explore granny’s hometown, Brighton, MA. If you don’t already know, you were the perfect dad and will always be put on a pedestal and truly looking forward to the day I can embrace you again.

Until that time comes, I will continue to live this DASH of my life in the best way possible and enjoy every moment. You always questioned why birthdays and death days are imprinted on tombstones when it’s the in-between part that matters. I am making sure my in between, “—”, or dash as we refer to it will continue to make you proud, included, and hopefully leave behind the kind of legacy you did with countless people.

Keep sending me signs, give grandma, Angela, and Tommy a huge hug from me, and enjoy the feast they have prepared for you in heaven tonight! Us earthly people are clearly the ones missing out!

I love you beyond any words can express,

Ash.