A legacy of love

Three years ago today, my dad stepped into heaven. I remember singing over him like it was yesterday. It’s a day etched in my heart, a bittersweet reminder of the incredible man he was and the immense void his absence has left. I miss him so much. Grief is a journey, and I’ve learned it’s not about “getting over” the loss but learning to live in a world where his physical presence no longer exists.

When Dad passed, I found myself grappling with an unexpected realization—both of my parents were gone. I was parentless. That word carried a weight I wasn’t prepared for. It took a season of adjusting, processing, and walking through the complex emotions that come with such a loss. Grief has a way of stripping you down, but it also reveals where your roots are planted. For me, I clung to my Heavenly Father like never before. In Him, I found the strength to navigate those waves of sorrow and the peace to carry on.

One of my most treasured possessions is a voicemail my dad left me before he passed. We were both sick at the time, and despite his weak voice, he wasn’t worried about himself. He called to check on me. That was Dad. Hearing his voice now is soothing for my soul, a reminder of his love and care that still surround me. I will forever hold on to that message reminder.

Not everyone is blessed with parents like mine, and I don’t take that for granted. I’m thankful for the legacy they left—a legacy of love, faith, and resilience. They taught me about what truly matters in life: relationships, compassion, and living with purpose and faith in the Lord. That legacy fuels me every day, especially in moments when I wish I could pick up the phone and hear their voices again.

I like to imagine my mom and dad with a heavenly front-row seat now, cheering me on from the best seat in the house. It’s a comforting thought, knowing they’re together again, experiencing the fullness of joy in God’s presence.
If you’re walking through a season of grief, know this: you’re not alone. Lean into God’s embrace, and let Him carry you when the burden feels too heavy. Find gratitude in the memories, even when they bring tears, because they’re a testament to the love you shared. And if you were blessed with parents like mine, take a moment to honor their legacy by living out the lessons they taught you.

Grief is hard, but it’s also a reminder of the deep love that exists. And love, as I’ve learned, never truly leaves us. It’s in the whispers of memories, the echo of a voicemail, and the legacy we carry forward.