I’ve known you my entire life, and throughout it, you’ve played so many important roles. You’ve been my coach when I doubted myself, my counselor when I needed advice, and the unpaid referee between me and my siblings. The matzoh ball king—making a family traditional food into a delicious meal. You were the videographer for our at-home dance videos – I’ll just call you PAPA-razzi. You’ve been my protector when I was scared, and my teacher when I had tough lessons to learn. You started as my ATM, and somewhere along the way, you became my financial advisor (although I still sometimes needed that ATM piece). You’ve been my emotional anchor, always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. You’ve been my advisor on life and the Lord. You even took on the role of my mechanic, telling me when I needed to fix my face, my outfit, or my attitude.

And then there’s the Dodgers. You didn’t just teach me how to watch baseball — you taught me how to feel it. I remember calling you during the last game of the World Series- this year, we were cheering, I was jumping up and down- we both screaming at the top of our lungs with tears coming from our eyes. From the thrill of those game-winning moments to the heartbreak of close losses, you raised me with that same undying love for the team. And I know, no matter where I am, I’ll always feel connected to you whenever the Dodgers play.

But beyond the roles you played, it’s your characteristics that have shaped who I am. You taught me what hard work and determination look like — a trait I carry in everything I do. Your kindness and generosity showed me the importance of helping others, no matter what. Even in the toughest times, you reminded me to find the joy in life. From you, I learned resilience — the strength to bounce back from challenges. You also showed me the value of being present, listening, and showing up for the people you love.

You’ve been so many things to me over the years, but above all, you’ve been a constant source of love and strength. As you prepare to leave this world, I want you to know that your legacy is not just in the roles you played, but in the love you gave. Every lesson, every word of advice, every moment of support will live on within me, in the way I live my life and in the way I love others.

The patience, wisdom, and humility you carry with you are all traits I admire and strive to embody every day. And though I may not always express it, I carry a piece of you with me in everything I do. The one role you’ve always played, that encompasses all of these, is simply being my dad.

I’m going to miss you more than I can put into words, but I will carry you with me always — in my heart, in my actions, and in the way I continue to honor you through my own life. You’ve taught me that love doesn’t end with distance or time. It’s everlasting, just like you.

Thank you, Dad. For everything. I love you more than you’ll ever know.

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Now that you have passed… and As I move forward in life, I will carry your lessons with me. I will stand tall with resilience, knowing that you gave me the strength to rise, even when life feels heavy.

Even though I can’t hear your voice or feel your presence the way I once did, I know you are with me in every quiet moment, every step I take, and every choice I make. You are woven into the very fabric of who I am. And one day, when I am reunited with you, I will have so much to share — until then, I will carry you in my heart and keep you close in spirit.