My dad was awesome. The most noble, kind, intelligent and gentle man I ever knew, he was always on my side and always fully believed that I will find my way. He always made that clear, and even though he hasn’t been around for a while, his absence obvious in everything. Many would think of this as a bad thing, however I see it as a constant reminder of what I need to become. It became obvious to me one day while walking to Pedro’s Tacos with Justine that she doesn’t have a dad and nor do I. I have never had such a surreal realization in my life. My dad is dead and nothing can replace him. Of course I am thankful for all the friendships that have been formed over the past two years and all the support our family has gotten, but I have been left with a unshakeable feeling that there is something missing. I know that my dad believed in me so I hope I can be one tenth of what he was.
Thank you and goodnight.
-The Maki
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Thank you Maki for sharing your thoughts, you are so kind to thank your friends (and your dad), and I know too that he believed in you and loved you of all his heart. Good night to you, beautiful boy. Big kiss x
Maki I couldn’t have written that better myself!
I lost my Dad when was 18. He had a terminal illness that meant we all had to watch him slowly decline over months, not a great thing to witness. But it made me who I am, a strong and independent lady. Sure I to had a loving and caring Mother and lots of supportive friends and family, but nothing can replace him. Nothing ever will and I still think about him lots, even after 26 years. Xx
The Maki, You are already kind, gentle, intelligent, supportive, talented and full of so very much of your dad! I have no doubt that you will indeed find your way! Thank you for sharing your precious heart! I know he would be so proud of how you have walked through this!
I think you’re on your way, kid. The shoes you are filling may not be your dad’s shoes, but they are yours: just as special, just as noble, just as unique. From the glimpses we (the people who have watched your family’s experience unfold from afar) have been able to watch this sweet young boy grow to be a remarkable young man. Maki, some of the greatest people have had these amazing traits that only came about from being forged under intense heat and great suffering. Some people crumble and turn bitter. Others (like you) develop compassion, empathy, depth, wisdom, and great insight. I think you’re on your way, young man. Nothing can take the place of your dad, but you do have an amazing family and people scattered all over place who are rooting for you.
Maki, what a beautiful tribute to your dad. Thank you for sharing such personal and loving thoughts.
Noble. Kind. Intelligent. @$&**#! baller legacy.
Maki, from the time Ali first met your father and you, she described you as a wise soul when when you were just a little 4 year old boy. I know you shall miss your dad forever, because he was the best man in your life, and that means he lived a full and wonderful life. You’ve had to grow up a little faster than other guys your age, perhaps, but you will look back at this time as the year you matured into the man you are supposed to be. My husband and I are praying for your family every night, and your dad is so proud of you. So is your mom, and Ali and Justine and everyone who knows you.
Dear Maki,
Thank you for sharing these very personal and most heartfelt thoughts about your father. Please know that all the qualities you so admired in your father, you too possess. I have been so impressed with the very fine, young man you are growing up to be. Vernon was so proud of you and it was so beautiful to see the love he expressed for you. It is an unimaginable loss.
Please know there are so many that love you and we are here for you. We are fully confident that the Maki will do so many amazing things. You already have.
Love,
Nicole
Thank you Maki. I never met your Dad, but have come to know him through this blog. I miss him too. I know though that he loves you. Blessings on you as you continue to grow into the man he knew you would be.
the care and love you show toward your sister, blesses me. I have no doubt you will be one tenth of the man your dad was……..and more in your own way! My husband used to say that very thing about his dad, Salvatore Brocato……and he was !!! Blessings to you as you walk through this “missing reality” …..
Maki,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is obivous that your Dad’s love has given you a wonderful start in life that you may hold on to forever.
Maki, your Dad was amazing! I remember when we first met face to face – it was in London at a rally in support of fathers. He saw me in the distance and knew who I was, so approached me to say hello. You were draped round his neck, perched on his shoulders at the time; you probably won’t remember, because you were about three years old!
Your Dad fought for you with everything he had; when lesser men might have given up on their children, he stuck it out – even when you moved to Norway, he continued to see as much of you as he possibly could. He never gave up because he knew how important it was for you to have a good role model and a good father.
Just the other day when Allison posted a photo of you and Justine, I thought how like him you are. Yes, he had faith in you and those are big shoes to fill; but you now need to press forward having faith in yourself and in the God your father trusted.
Ruth
Dear Maki,
I had my dad with me for about 10 more years of my life than you did. I felt cheated out of years with him and it’s exponentially worse for you and Justine. That moment walking to Pedro’s with Justine? Those are some of the worst times…when it seems too terrible to be true, those surreal moments. I had many of them and so will you. There is no way to prepare for them so just be gentle with yourself when they come and allow people to support you. When my dad died I was grateful for the people who would cry with me but also the ones who knew I needed to laugh and not be sad all the time. Find the people who will let you be wherever you are emotionally on any given day and hold them close. You don’t have to be strong all the time or mature all the time…
The Maki
Your Dad would be so proud of you. I took the pix of you and Justine and I have it on my computer and sent to several people who have prayed and been concerned for your family. Go forth young man and make your Dad even more proud of you. I have it my mind that one of you two-Justine or Maki-will go to work and do something about what your father even more proud of. Or maybe both of you two will do something for people who are in the same shape as your Dad was. God bless you both and Allison.
Love,
Becky
Dearest Maki, What beautiful words. Thank you for sharing your feelings and your gratitude. My thoughts are with you in this very difficult and strange time. Losing ones parent is a very big thing, an experience difficult to put into words or even understand in oneself, as there are so many strong invisible ties between a person and their parent. Your dad was a truly great man, so kind, intelligent, funny and full of interest in the people around him. He loved you so much. Ever since you were a little boy, you have been the most gentle, considerate and wonderful person, much because of your loving dad. Your dad is a big part of you, and will always be there, but most of all you are your wonderful self, and that is more than enough. I am really glad you had such a great dad for you to look up to, and to keep looking up to, and to keep filling you with love. Still, there is the emptiness for you to come to terms with, and I am so sorry for your loss. I hope to be there for you as much as possible. Big hug, and look forward to speaking on Skype again soon. Love you lots xxx
Very heartfelt and eloquently said Maki. I never had the pleasure of meeting your Father. However, I’ve followed his story for many months. And many tears I have shed for you all.
Allison and I work our Mind, Body and Soul in Pilates together. I look forward to the day that I get to meet you. Hopefully this Sunday.
Love, Strength and Prayers to you Maki XO
Maki, Although I’ve only known you from a distance, (mostly through Allison and your grandparents, Hyatt and Anne who all adore you), I have seen some remarkable qualities in you… the ability to share your heart, the love you show to your family, a healthy sense of self and your tender care for your sister are just a few. Your dad’s heart must be full of joy and gratefulness for you and the man you are becoming. He gave you a gift that is finer than anything on this earth and you’ll carry it with you forever. His legacy is a beautiful one that shines on in you and Justine.
Maki- you have already shown such strength of character- kindness, understanding and deep love. There’s no question that you’re maturing into an amazing man and your Dad would be so very proud. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Your dad is so proud of you already, Maki. The reminders are him telling you that although you may not be able to see or hear him, he is always with you. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us all. I admire you so much for that.
Maki – I think a quote from the movie Gladiator is called for here: Strength and Honor!
Maki, your tribute to your dad is so eloquently written! I have no doubt he is incredibly proud of you, just as he was when he was with you and Justine. Even through reading this blog, it was obvious to me just how much he loved you and believed in you. Many people desperately long for a relationship with their dads like that. He’s given you a good foundation to build on, and his love for you and Justine will never leave you.
Maki, You are knoble, kind, and intelligent. And wise beyond your years. I’m so sorry for your great loss. I never want to minimize that… You will carry on a beautiful legacy for your Father, just by being your wonderful gracious funny and insightful self.
(And can I say, it’s a blessing to see your love for your sister. It’s a rare thing) thank you for sharing your heart on this blog. I love you Maki!