November was always the month when we would come together daily and share what we're thankful for. I'm thankful for you.
I still don’t know if you were really there with me, carrying me through my 2023 accident. Lindsey told me I was crying your name in the hospital, and part of me believes you were there, whispering it wasn’t my time yet. I know someday, I’ll be a ghost again, ready to join you for good. Until then, you’re always with me, and as we head into November, I find myself wishing I could just call you, tell you all the stories. Since you left on Nov 26, 2014, this month is never the same.
You wouldn’t believe how much the kids have grown. Tyler – he’s doing so well at the Lehi Fire Department. Nothing fazes him; he’s got this quiet strength, always ready to help people. It’s almost hard to believe he’s nearly 19. He’s really living his dream.
Then there’s Kaitlyn, now 17, always warm-hearted, making people feel cared for. She’s in her junior year, still strong despite her foot injury, and has her list of colleges lined up. I know you’d be proud of her determination.
And Brooklyn – oh, she’s a smiling freshman! Gymnastics is her world. She’s flipping, twisting, and showing off her latest skill. She has this amazing way with younger kids – she’ll be an incredible mother someday. She even asked me to build the C10 truck for her; I’ll be moving it into the garage next.
Then there’s Travis, our little 8th-grade philosopher, always mixing deep thoughts into his jokes. He’s got this curious mind, always finding creative ways to solve problems with a bit of silliness. Every day, he tells me about the game he’s programming – who knows, maybe he’ll have VR games and an app in a few years.
I’m still working on cars, just like when I rebuilt that lawnmower engine in 6th grade, and you surprised me with a go-cart to keep tinkering on. Some things never change!
As for Lindsey and me, we’ve grown. I have to say, where I work is one of the best places ever. Earlier this year, we went to Hawaii as a family for our 20th anniversary. I thought about you and our trips there – it was a wonderful getaway, and the kids loved it. We needed the break, especially since we had just dealt with one of the most narcissistic, sociopathic individuals imaginable. But that’s a story for another time.
For now, I just want you to know I love and miss you. I’ll be sharing more grateful stories here and across social media because, as you used to say, “why not?” You always encouraged me to "climb more trees, have fun, and not worry."
❤️
Jake