I wanted to reach out to everyone who might not have heard yet, my dad, or daddy-o as my preferred nickname for him, William ‘Bruce’ Smith passed away Tuesday, August 30th. To those that knew him and loved him he was a true friend. He was a man who lived like no one else. He never wanted to be like everyone else and lord knows he wasn’t! I had the honor of calling him a friend and a dad. Everyone needs that person in their life who roots for them no matter what. That person that loves them when they’re unlovable. That person that goes to bat for them, knowing damn good and well they’re wrong. That person that helps hold their head up when no one else will. That person you know would go to hell and back to show they’re support for you….even at your worst. My dad was my person. He loved so hard and with everything he had. He was my solid no matter what. Not everyone is that fortunate to have a person like that. My dad taught me a long time ago that to care is to love. He also taught me laughter in the face of sadness so I say to him, “really, my birthday is two weeks away and you’ve upstaged it again.” Kudos, pops. Seriously, he loved you all and wanted nothing but happiness for everyone. Don’t even get me started on how deeply he loved his grandson! I’m pretty sure he thought Jared actually walked on water. I had to prove he couldn’t just so he’d stop telling people. My dad was one of my favorites and I will miss him greatly. If you have any funny stories or fond memories of my dad you’d like to share please do.