Today, I celebrate the life of my dad – a loving, kind-hearted, and hardworking man who gave so much of himself to his family and to others.

Dad was a man who worked tirelessly to make sure that I and my seven siblings had everything we needed growing up. He carried the weight of responsibility on his shoulders with strength and determination, never once complaining, but always making sure that we were provided for.

He showed his love through guidance, discipline, and making sure we stayed on the right path. There were times when I didn’t understand it, and I even wondered if he was being too hard on me. But as I grew older, I came to realize that his discipline was another expression of his love. It was his way of preparing us for life, of shaping us into the people we are today. For that, I will always be grateful.

Dad also loved life. I remember when we were young, the house was often filled with music, laughter, and the sound of parties. He was the life of the party, with an energy and presence that drew people to him. He enjoyed the simple joys – family, friends, and togetherness – and that joy lives on in the memories we hold dear.

What I miss most is just him. His presence. His voice. His quiet strength. I wish he were still here to see his great-grandchildren, to share in their laughter, and to watch our families continue to grow. But while we grieve his absence, we also give thanks. In his final years, we had the chance to care for him as he had cared for us. It was our privilege to return even a fraction of the love, sacrifice, and dedication he gave us throughout his life. And I know that gave him peace.

Dad, we miss you more than words can ever express. Thank you for everything you taught us, for the love you gave us, and for the example you set. Your legacy lives on in your children and grandchildren. Rest in peace, knowing that you were deeply loved and that your life made a lasting difference.

From the first, you loved me unconditionally. I was a difficult teenager, but you never gave up on me. As a sometimes contrary adult, you loved me nonetheless. I know it was not easy, but you were patient, and you never stopped caring. I know fathers should love their children unconditionally, but not all fathers do. I know there are fathers like you, but you were unique. If I had a choice, I would have chosen you. If I have another life, and a choice, I will choose you.

You were not perfect, but you were my imperfectly perfect Daddy who fathered eight blessings. As an imperfectly perfect parent, you were humble enough to learn, unlearn and relearn. We loved you unconditionally, as you loved us unconditionally.

For parenting us well, we love you endlessly. For always unconditionally putting us first, we love you endlessly. For always unconditionally being there for us, we love you endlessly. For teaching us that it is human to make mistakes, we love you endlessly. For teaching us that it is wise to always learn from our

mistakes, we love you endlessly.

For teaching us to better our good, best our better, and better our best, we love you endlessly. For teaching us to always hope reasonably, persevere, and be conscientious, we love you endlessly. For showing us that saying sorry, is not a weakness, but a strength, we love you endlessly. For unconditionally believing in us, and teaching us to always believe in ourselves, we love you endlessly. For always being proud of us, and showing us the virtues of humility, we love you endlessly.

For the blessing of having our better than the best Mother, we love you endlessly.

For the blessing you were, and the blessing you still are in our hearts, we love you endlessly.