Thank you so much for everyone's love and support during this difficult time. As I'm sure many of you who knew my father can imagine, my childhood was full of his charisma, his beautiful smile/laughter, and his many, many, many opinions about the things I needed to do in order to live a fulfilled life.

That was the kind of father he was, never missing a moment to give me a piece of advice or wisdom that he thought I might need on my journey through childhood, young adulthood, and eventually adulthood. My father was a protector, a defender, and someone who desperately wanted those he loved to live life on their own terms. And that is how he loved me; he protected me, he defended me, and he taught me how to live unapologetically as myself. I don't have the words to adequately express how grateful I am to him for that gift he gave me.

Losing my father suddenly has been very difficult, but it's been made a little easier by this community of people. Thank to everyone who loved my dad and was a part of his life and community. I would ask and encourage each of you to share your favorite memories or anecdotes with him on this site. I knew him as a father, but it has been healing to learn about who he was as an uncle, brother, friend, and loved one to so many.

With love,
Sherese