Read By Grace Gatewood

For most people when they found out about my dad’s passing, they simply couldn’t believe it. Not just because it was sudden and unexpected, but because it is hard to imagine this world without him. Fathoming such a horrific event was painful to many because my dad was someone significant in everyone’s life that he encountered… whether he was sharing a smile, being a knowledgeable realtor, motivating kids as a coach, loving his siblings and parents or being the best dad who loved with all of his heart… he was someone special!

My favorite memories of my dad include laughter. Laughing was my dad’s specialty. One of his favorite things was to put a smile on other’s faces. If you had the opportunity to get to hear one of my dad’s stories… boy were you in for a treat. His stories made you feel like you were there living through it with him. Often times, I would give my dad a hard time for exaggerating so much in his story-telling but I now realize that’s what makes them so great.

A more recent memory that will always stick with me is the Christmas gift he gave me this past December. It was a blanket intended to help us stay connected while I was away from home in college. Part of the message of the blanket was “Be brave, have courage and love life. I am always with you. You’ll always be my baby girl.” That was the kind of dad he was...to think of sentimental, meaningful gifts like this. I will forever treasure this precious blanket.

Today, I also want to tell you just a few of the lessons he instilled in me that I will carry on. When I was younger, I worried and stressed a lot and he taught me to take a deep breath, relax and keep my problems in perspective. Another lesson he taught me just recently was all about family. He told me that back in the 90s when he worked at Olive Garden and had long hours as a restaurant manager, he listened to the song Cat’s in the Cradle. He suddenly realized the message in the song and how it related to his life. He wanted to ensure that he made the most of every moment with his family, and knew he had to find a job that would allow for that. He prioritized his life around his family and I know that made him so happy. That will always stick with me. Family first. Finally, he taught me that you can be happy without materialistic goods or money. Really, he showed me that the ultimate fulfillment comes from pouring yourself and your love into others.

Lastly, I want to share some promises I am making to my dad…

Dad...I promise to always keep God and family first. You always gave the best example of that as the committed and supportive father that you were. I will never forget all the times we went to church together then afterward had deep, meaningful conversations about the Lord. I promise to find ways to smile without you here even though it will be hard. I know you would want the boys and me to find joy in each day and not dwell on the things we can’t change. Although you will not be able to be here physically with me and the boys through the upcoming years, I have big plans to make you proud. Most importantly, Dad, I promise to honor you with the life choices I make. Oh! and one more thing: the boys and I promise to feed the chickens and Miss Piggy 5 times a day! Love, Princess

Dalton

Bryce