Because of You, Shean

I truly understand the meaning of unconditional love. From the moment you entered this world, I felt a love I had never experienced with anyone else. I also felt a great responsibility, since you depended on me for taking care of and providing for you. Unconditional love is defined as “caring about the happiness of another person without any thought for what we might get for ourselves.” I never expected anything more from you in return, other than maybe a hug or a “thank you daddy” when you were old enough to talk. I believe the intensity, depth, and duration of grief is directly related to the amount of love we have for people who are no longer with us. That is why as long as I live, I will miss you. Because when you died, a piece of me died as well. But I believe that despite your physical absence, your spirit continues to live on in me. I strive to continue to be a father you would be proud of. As I encouraged you to try to make a difference every day, so I try to do the same. Whether it’s spending time with another bereaved parent, donating blood, or participating in groups that bring awareness to the neurological changes caused by prescription opioids that quickly results in addiction or some other activity which keeps another person safe from opioid addiction, I always have you in my mind. You continue to encourage me in ways I can’t even comprehend. But I know you are always with me and I will always love you unconditionally.

Dad