9 months ago3/17
A letter to my dad in heaven:
Two years to date without you. My Dad and #1 guy. As the days go by, I get a little bit stronger, but that doesn’t mean I wish you were still here.
A lot of good has happened since you’ve left us. UF Hall of Fame for this girl (really because of you), changed careers, cities, building relationships the way you taught me & life is happening faster than ever. Keither married his dream girl and still on big brother duty, making sure I’m “saving money” and keeping my ducks in a row 😅 Mama recovered like a champ from knee surgeries, a little solo traveler now, learned Uber (🤣) and taking up tutoring at UF (those student athletes love her tough love).
These big milestone moments in Keith and I’s lives are challenging without you here, and the day you left us two years ago will be the hardest things we will ever go through. Not going to lie, some days I want to kick and scream, have a pity party for myself, (which I do for a few minutes in my car alone) and just give up on trying to be positive, bubbly, and happy ALL the time. It’s honestly exhausting 😆. Then I remember how disappointed you were when I was 10, whining and complaining, completely giving up in the tennis tournament you entered me in. (Obviously lost lol) You told me if I never not tried my best I’d be banned from the sport 🤣 you didn’t care if I won or lost, ever. Just compete. From that day on, I promised myself I would never not compete on court and in life.
So we are here fighting. Thriving. Working. Laughing. Communicating. Getting up when we fall down. And thanks to you, my perspective on what’s important has never been stronger.
My future husband has a lot to live up to, with your continuing example in the way you raised me with love, loyalty, support, confidence, and never wavering in respect and belief in me. I am confident with the energy given out it will come back to be received…it’s just taking a hot minute for you to approve the right one from up there 👆🏼 😃.
We miss you down here, but until we meet again, keep shining your protective, positive, loving, infectious spirit upon us.
Love your little girl forever,
Lauren 💜