Today marks Reese's 19th month since leaving us. It's also Daddy's turn to write in the journal.

Daddies are supposed to be strong. Daddies are supposed to be the anchor for their families. As such, Daddies often compartmentalize the hurt, sadness, and pain that they feel to "be strong" for their family. So sometimes, it may come across as them being stoic, unfeeling, or worse yet, uncaring. Please don't ever think that way about us Daddies. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Luckily for me, Reese was my daughter too. I got to experience the wonder and miracle of her birth. I got to celebrate her life. I got to share in the love for her, but I also got to share in the pain of her loss. Nineteen months later, I still share that pain.

I may not show it all the time, but I do have my good days and I have my bad days. I even have my days where I miss Reese so much that I have to close my office door, because I'm about to bawl my eyes out. Through it all though, I still celebrate her life. I'm able to celebrate more often than mourn, as I have so much with me to lean on. I have my faith. I have my incredibly strong wife. I have my family, and I have my friends.

I thank you all, because without you, I'd be a bubbling pile of goo. Thanks to you all, I can keep a stiff upper-lip, stand strong, and continue to be the anchor for this family. The anchor that I'm supposed to be.

Reese, I remember the last breath you took and how peaceful you looked, as I held you in my arms. I knew then, that God had taken you from us to be in a MUCH better place. I know you're toddling around in heaven and playing with angels, right now. That thought makes me smile and it makes me sad at the same time. I miss you terribly, but I want you to know that Daddy loves you very much and promises that one day, he will see you again, and we'll have some playtime of our own...

I love you!! ~ Daddy