Since my Dad died there are some nights where I just listen to music and cry. Tonight is one of those nights. The sadness in my heart is just heavy. I really miss him

My Dad started dating my Mom when I was five. The first time I met him I told him I would only like him if he bought me a gray stuffed cat from the toy section of the PX. He didn't. Lol. He was firm, loving, and so kind. From the beginning.

He didn't have to love me. But he chose to. My Dad never treated me less than blood even though I wasn't.

That kind of love is powerful in shaping a person. I wouldn't be me without him. I wouldn't have the respect I have for myself without the lessons he instilled in me.

He gave everything he had in his heart to me and my sister. To our children. He talked to me every week while I was pregnant and facetimed Zeke every week when he got here. Knowing he never gets to hold that baby he loved so much from the moment he knew he existed hurts.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't grab my phone to call him to tell him something exciting that happened. And I can't. I can't call him anymore and it breaks my heart in a thousand pieces Everytime that reality sets in

Jerry Gaines was one of the best men I've ever known and I wish the world had more of him. He was the best of us. The absolute best

Even after my parents divorced my Dad was still there. Until the day he died there was nothing he wouldn't do for me.

I love you. Always