Remembering Papa

I’ve been called a lot of things in my lifetime. My family calls me Jay. My mom called me “Cookie”, my dad called me “Petunia”, my grandfather called me “Beeper”, in high school, they called me “Smitty” my ex-husband called me “Dopey” when my nephew and niece were born, they called me Jay Jay.

I will answer to most anything. My favorite is, was and always will be “Daddy’s Girl” He was my hero and the first man I ever loved. As I post this, it is six years since he left us. Six very long years.

Grief doesn’t have a timeline. It doesn’t follow a schedule, and it certainly doesn’t play by the rules. It’s like an unpredictable wave, sometimes gentle and soothing, and other times it crashes down on you with overwhelming force. I’ve come to realize that it’s okay not to have it all figured out when it comes to grief.

My dad’s memory is a constant presence in my life. His laughter, his wisdom, and his unwavering support still resonate in my heart. I carry the lessons he taught me, the values he instilled, and the love he show me each day. It’s a love that lingers, even in his physical absence.

Letting go, they say, is a part of the healing process, but letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It just means finding a way to carry the love and memories while moving forward. It means allowing yourself to feel the emotions that come with grief without judgement or expectations – and saying things like – I should be over this by now.

So, on this anniversary of his passing, I choose to celebrate my dad’s life, the impact he had on me and the love we shared. Grief is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the depth of love and connection…

Papa, you may not be here in person, but your spirit lives on in me, in my writing and in my pursuit of helping others. You were and always will be my hero, and I am the proudest daughter to have called you my dad.

To all who have experienced loss and are navigating your own path through grief, remember that it’s okay to grieve in your own way and at your own pace. Our loved ones may be gone, but their love remains, guiding us as we move forward.

Thank you for letting me share this moment with you. If you have your own stories or thoughts to share about grief or celebrating the ones you’ve lost, please share in the comments below. We’re in this together, and we can find strength in our shared experiences.

#Papa #SixLongYears #AlwaysDaddysGirl #Grief #Petunia #GoHappyYourself