09/14/2026
Six Years. How has it been 6 years?
It feels like a lifetime without you already but the pain feels like I lost you all over again.
Anyone who has experienced profound loss will understand that. It’s like we watch the world go by, we still live our lives, we show up for our kids or spouse or friends still, but we do it while wishing we could share these beautiful life moments with the person we lost.
I have been so “busy” with work and life’s moments that this day snuck up on me a little bit. But, in the calm, quiet morning, it hit me like a ton of bricks.
My grandpa, Tony, and I were thick as thieves. I can still picture him standing on the sidelines of my first high school track meet, the only one who showed up for me, cheering me on and telling me to pace myself. I remember him picking me up from 8th grade basketball tryouts after I got cut and didn’t make the team. He never told me “it was just a game” or “it’s okay you didn’t make it.” He was the one telling me that it was alright to be upset and helped me move forward.
How lucky am I that I had someone in my life who made such a profound impact that losing him makes it that much harder? There are so many more memories I could share about him. Memories I will cherish for my lifetime.
There are things he didn’t get to see. He didn’t get to watch me marry the man he knew was perfect for me and who he loved so much. But, I’m so thankful they met and they bonded. He didn’t get to meet my two perfect little boys. But, I smile and think of him every time my toddler kicks a soccer ball and yells “goal” because my grandpa played soccer growing up and loved the sport so much.
I could take this time to say he is the reason I do what I do, and he is, and I could explain why. But, today isn’t about that. Today is about honoring his legacy, the impact he had on my life, and the way his immigrant-spirit will live on in me.
Thank you, grandpa, for making saying goodbye so hard.
Love forever, your little buddy. By the way, we own a law firm now💙