🤍 My dear dad passed peacefully on Monday, May 4, just weeks shy of his 84th birthday. Being with him in his final days—to play him his favorite music, talk to him, read to him, sing to him, hold his hand—is an experience I will cherish forever. His passing could not have been more peaceful, and I could not have been more present, and for both of those things I am immensely grateful.
I’ve long been grieving the parts of my dad that were gradually lost to Lewy body dementia over the past 8 or so years. Now I reconcile that grief with the loss of the parts of him that remained, and the version of my dad he became, who was just as dear to me.
He never lost his sense of humor, something I’ve always adored in him, or the twinkle in his blue eyes, which always lit up at the sight of my face (or, I’m told, the sound of my name). He never stopped looking up at airplanes overhead, or telling me he loved me, even as he struggled with speech these last few years.
I am thankful for all he gave me, all he taught me, so many memories and so much laughter and so much care. It has been a joy all my life to love and be loved by him. I’m comforted to know he is at peace now, and that his spirit, I’m certain, has reunited in its fullest form with my mom, wherever it is that spirits go. 🤍
I’ll share any information on arrangements when available. In the meantime, I am eternally grateful to everyone who has shown up for me and for us over the years, and especially this past week. Every kindness has meant the world to me.
I ❤️ Knoxville & @bigearsfestival 🎶🤗 thank you to alllll the incredible artists and music lovers both behind the scenes and in the crowd who made this a whirlwind weekend to remember ✨
(pure vibes shown here, please see highlight reel for full effect—though even that won’t do it justice!)
💌 2025 was largely a doozy, but can’t say she never gave me anything. Even as the horrors persist, I am thankful for this life and this body that gets to move through it, eyes and ears to take it in and heart and mind hold it. A lot can change in a year—in fact I’m counting on it. 🤍
Congrats again K&D! 🥂 8.31.25 ✨ What an honor it was to be by your side on your day. What a blessing to celebrate your love with family from near and far. What a joy to see you so happy and loved. 💐💗
P.S. go birds?
P.P.S. the good ones are by the amazing @kristyann_photo 📸
