Jackson,

This is one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. Your David was the warmest and kindest individual we have ever known. I know that he had the warmest, most supportive family we have ever had the privilege to know, but he was yours first and foremost, just as you were his. We will miss him the rest of our lives.  Sadly, we are not able to come to his memorial for health reasons, but know we honor him and his delightful, loving, supportive, and slightly irreverent life on Saturday along with his immensely supportive family and all his friends. Take our love for him, Jackson, and know it was for you both.

Honestly it took me so long to write this… each write or rewrite only brought me more pain but I learned from papa that it’s these feelings that help better understand how much care you have for one person and I cared for David deeply. They say you never really understand the good you have till it’s gone. My papa was one of those people. With him passing… I never felt this level of hurt. To have the person who was always next to me, guiding me through this thing we call life stripped from our lives too soon? My heart is heavy but I know he would’ve wanted us to push on, carrying his soul and memories with us until our time is due.

And that’s how legacy’s are created

My papa was an extraordinary man who faced each challenge without fear (or chose not to show it), mainly because he had papa Jackson standing next to him like a lion guarding its prairie… But that’s aside the point. While Jackson was the planner and executioner, David was the supporter… the jester, the positive… always bringing smiles from his quips and jokes that brought together a table full of laughter and fun.

He was that kind of man

Always looking forward and remaining hopeful for the times to come whether they were good or bad. He always had faith. Not only in his situations but for the ones he loved most and help guide them to happiness. I know I will take that lesson with me for the remainder of my life and will teach it to those who need that guidance to help them push forward too. Thank you for being you papa. Thank you for all the help you gave raising me. Thank you for being there… I love you more than the stars in the sky as there is rain that falls from the clouds.

Until we meet again in harmony~ Your dearest granddaughter, Dayna.