Adair, I’m grateful to have the chance to love your girls. To teach and protect them. And to remind them that they are loved by Chris from the other side.
Such a tender letter to your daughter. Our memories are what we cherish about those who have passed, and this is such a gift that you are remembering for them.
That hit me. What a beautiful message for your daughters. I lost my parents when I was barely into my 20s, and I struggle at times to remember them, I mean, really remember them. But realizing that I was deeply known by them is something that only happened today, through your post. Thank you.
Adair, it’s Amy…your future sister in law, Mike’s wife…I had no idea this happened to you and your girls. My heart breaks for the loss you all have experienced. The strength you have to “show up” everyday and the love you have shines through so bright. Sending you so much love. ❤️ Amy
There’s something especially heartbreaking about the moment when a child realizes they don’t remember as much as they wish they did. Their innocent hearts often feel guilt, as well as sadness. As though it's their fault that the memories of their dad become harder and harder to hold onto.
It's like grasping at smoke. It doesn't matter how tightly you squeeze, it will always slip through your fingers.
I think you’re giving much more than just memories. You’re giving them a desperately needed sense of continuity. A foundation of being loved, chosen, and safe that lives in their souls even if their young minds can't paint a full picture of it. It's stewardship of a crucial relationship until they're ready to carry it forward themselves.
Joy and Coral are incredibly lucky. Not only to have been so deeply loved by their dad, but to have a mom who so intentionally keeps his relationship with them alive. ❤️
Jason, thank you. Coming from you, knowing the loss you've endured, this means the world. No doubt, this loss will shape them and who they become. My hope is that they know how deeply loved they were by someone who's no longer here to show them. Thank you.
Adair, thank you so much for writing this and for sharing it with us. I cried within the first few sentences.
I can only imagine how unbelievably difficult it’s been for you to endure this loss, and I’m so grateful that you and Jon found each other to create new memories and a beautiful life together. 🙏🏼❤️
Aww that is so beautiful. I was blessed to have my daddy until I was 36, and I miss him everyday. How heartbreaking that they lost him so young. He’s an angel by their side, always with them. How blessed your girls are to have such an amazing mama keeping his memory alive. Sending so much love to your heart. 💜
Ironically, I’ve begun writing a novel, my first, where the protagonist, Robert, loses both parents in a plane crash when he is 3 years old. He has five siblings, all older by at least six years. They grow up with distinct memories of their parents. Robert only feels their absence. At 18 years, he decides to step away from college to discover his life. H begins by seeking what happened with crash. He visits the site and comes to have new sense of connection to his parents. This is the beginning of the story.
I’m writing this for two reasons. One is my interest in helping GenZ’s gain a sense of ownership of their lives. In my interaction with them, I realized that they have been given, the title of the book, Answers To Questions Never Asked. As a result, they need to be asking questions.
The other reason is to explore the nature of “generational memory.” This is the effect that creates the continuity of time from the Past through the Present into the Future. I’ve been writing and speaking on this for the past year.
I see you trying to connect your daughters to the memory of their father with a level of depth that will be a living one. It is wise and hard.
Adair, I’m grateful to have the chance to love your girls. To teach and protect them. And to remind them that they are loved by Chris from the other side.
You are the absolute BEST bonus dad we could ever ask for! We are so lucky!
❤️Thank-you Jon!
Such a tender letter to your daughter. Our memories are what we cherish about those who have passed, and this is such a gift that you are remembering for them.
Thank you Katty!
But you were deeply known by him.
That hit me. What a beautiful message for your daughters. I lost my parents when I was barely into my 20s, and I struggle at times to remember them, I mean, really remember them. But realizing that I was deeply known by them is something that only happened today, through your post. Thank you.
Oh my goodness. I can't imagine how difficult that was and has been throughout your life. I'm glad this gave you a new perspective. Big hugs!
Adair, it’s Amy…your future sister in law, Mike’s wife…I had no idea this happened to you and your girls. My heart breaks for the loss you all have experienced. The strength you have to “show up” everyday and the love you have shines through so bright. Sending you so much love. ❤️ Amy
Thank you Amy! Big love to you and Mike too!
This is so beautiful to read and a gift to your girls.
Thank you Taryn!
This is such a beautiful gift to your girls.
There’s something especially heartbreaking about the moment when a child realizes they don’t remember as much as they wish they did. Their innocent hearts often feel guilt, as well as sadness. As though it's their fault that the memories of their dad become harder and harder to hold onto.
It's like grasping at smoke. It doesn't matter how tightly you squeeze, it will always slip through your fingers.
I think you’re giving much more than just memories. You’re giving them a desperately needed sense of continuity. A foundation of being loved, chosen, and safe that lives in their souls even if their young minds can't paint a full picture of it. It's stewardship of a crucial relationship until they're ready to carry it forward themselves.
Joy and Coral are incredibly lucky. Not only to have been so deeply loved by their dad, but to have a mom who so intentionally keeps his relationship with them alive. ❤️
Jason, thank you. Coming from you, knowing the loss you've endured, this means the world. No doubt, this loss will shape them and who they become. My hope is that they know how deeply loved they were by someone who's no longer here to show them. Thank you.
Adair, thank you so much for writing this and for sharing it with us. I cried within the first few sentences.
I can only imagine how unbelievably difficult it’s been for you to endure this loss, and I’m so grateful that you and Jon found each other to create new memories and a beautiful life together. 🙏🏼❤️
I love you all very much.
Awe. You're welcome. Thank you for the love and compassion. I too am so glad that Jon and I found each other. We love you too!
A beautiful reminder of a parent's love that never dies, even when the body is no longer present in this world. Thanks for sharing, Adair.
Yes, so well said. "A parent's love never dies." Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
I love this so much, Adair. What a blessing it is to know that you are so deeply loved by your parents - it matters so much ❤️
Yes, it truly is a blessing.
Aww that is so beautiful. I was blessed to have my daddy until I was 36, and I miss him everyday. How heartbreaking that they lost him so young. He’s an angel by their side, always with them. How blessed your girls are to have such an amazing mama keeping his memory alive. Sending so much love to your heart. 💜
I definitely feel he is an angel by their side. He loves to come as a hawk to show he's watching over them. Love to you too!
Adair, my thoughts are with you and the girls.
Ironically, I’ve begun writing a novel, my first, where the protagonist, Robert, loses both parents in a plane crash when he is 3 years old. He has five siblings, all older by at least six years. They grow up with distinct memories of their parents. Robert only feels their absence. At 18 years, he decides to step away from college to discover his life. H begins by seeking what happened with crash. He visits the site and comes to have new sense of connection to his parents. This is the beginning of the story.
I’m writing this for two reasons. One is my interest in helping GenZ’s gain a sense of ownership of their lives. In my interaction with them, I realized that they have been given, the title of the book, Answers To Questions Never Asked. As a result, they need to be asking questions.
The other reason is to explore the nature of “generational memory.” This is the effect that creates the continuity of time from the Past through the Present into the Future. I’ve been writing and speaking on this for the past year.
I see you trying to connect your daughters to the memory of their father with a level of depth that will be a living one. It is wise and hard.
I wish you all comfort and peace in remembering.
This sounds like a beautiful book Ed. Thank you for sharing, and I appreciate your 'seeing us' in this time of rememberance.
It is a story that I hear often, but not always about the death of a parent.