My dad passed away on May 4, 2005 after nearly a seven year battle with cancer.
This is my letter to him.
Dear Dad,
It has been over 7,346 days since you left our family. I still think about you every single day. I find myself looking for you-in the quiet moments driving to and from work and in my old routines such eating pho or sunny side eggs and toast. To this day I still cannot find any person or place to make it as delicious as you did. They say time heals all wounds, but I find that difficult to be believe as your death is a wound that will never heal. I'm learning every day that grief or pain isn't something you just get over - it's something that you learn to live with and something that helps you strengthen life's perspective. I cherish things more cause I know IT will not last forever. You left me as a young lad, but I am at the vortex of my prime now.
It was extremely tough seeing you in your last days. The last glare we gave each other is tattooed in my memory forever. The glare spoke for us. Enough said. I got you and I got this. The strength and every last bit of will and energy you could find in your body to live another day is something I will never ever forget. I hope to emulate that same will, passion, and energy in all of my life's work too. On some bad days, I look to feel your energy to get me through. Thank you for the days that you did. Watching
you battle cancer was like watching a small tree stand firm through a fierce rainstorm. Your body was failing but you still managed to smile and crack silly jokes. Then Time
called your number and you answered and then your were gone. Time will call my number eventually and I will pick up and we will speak again.
I look up and talk to the sky often now. Not because I expect an answer, but because it's the only place big enough to hold everything I have got to say and feel. I look up and wonder if you ever hear me when I say your name. If you can read this, just know how much I miss you. I know you are watching over me and can see the life I am building, piece by piece, in the shadow of your presence. I hope you are proud. I wish I can tell you about my days or hear you laugh. I would trade it all just to have you back.
This clothing brand I've built because of you - just know your beautiful soul and legacy is cultivated and a part of every seam, fabric, and stitch. We have ALL benefited.
Until we meet again...
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD
Love,
C.A.L
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