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Finding Strength in Goodbye: My Dad’s Journey and His Legacy

I am not sure how to even start writing this so I will start by saying thank you. Thank you to everyone who has supported my dad and our family throughout this time. From your prayers, love and donations. From friends picking me and my sister up at all hours of the night, to our friends watching over our home while we are away, to my company and my dad’s company for the dinners and supporting us in taking the time away to be together, to everyone and everything, big and small. We couldn’t do any of it without your support.

Writing this feels impossible, but I know it’s important to share. Last month, I wrote about my dad’s battle with cancer and the strength he showed every day. Today, I’m sharing the news that my dad, Randy, passed away on November 11, at 9:50pm PST. Even as I write these words, it’s hard to believe they’re true. I feel like I am living in a nightmare and I will wake up and he will just be here, playing his switch or watching star trek. But no matter how hard this hurts me, to live without him, I know he is in a better place and free of the pain he was in.

My dad was truly amazing. He was strong, loving, and the best father I could have ever asked for. He taught me everything I know—how to stand up for myself, how to work hard, and how to never let anyone tell me I couldn’t achieve something. He showed me what it means to be resilient and never give up, no matter the challenge.

He was also my biggest fan. Whether it was watching my YouTube videos or being the first to like and comment on them, he always made sure I knew how proud he was of me. His unwavering support and belief in me have shaped who I am today, and I will carry those lessons with me for the rest of my life.

I have so many cherished memories of my dad that show just how selfless and loving he was. When I bought my first house in Utah, he didn’t hesitate to fly out and help me move everything. It was just him, my sister, and me, hauling furniture and gym equipment—including my heavy weights—down to the basement. We laughed through the exhaustion, joking that we were way too old for this and swearing we’d get movers the next time. His willingness to help, even when it wasn’t easy, meant so much to me.

My dad always made it a priority to show up for me, and one of my favorite memories is when he flew out to Utah to watch me compete in my first ‘Official’ UT CrossFit competition. It was the first time he’d ever seen me compete, and having him there meant the world to me. I can still picture him helping me gear up with my vest, and the photos from that day are ones I will cherish forever. His presence made me feel unstoppable.

More recently, as I was training for a half marathon, he became my biggest cheerleader. Every Sunday during my long runs, he would cheer me on, encouraging me to keep going and reminding me how proud he was.

I’ve decided to run that half marathon—and every race after it—in his honor. Each mile I complete will be for him, carrying his memory with me and the strength he always believed I had.

I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him this year and to have been there to shower him with love as he joined my Noni, Nono and Uncle Rick in heaven. Though he is not physically with me, I know his spirit is here, guiding me and protecting me. I know he is watching over me, my sister and mom and we will continue to look for the signs that he is still here. Some days it feels like I can barely get out of bed but I promise to him that I will live, that I will do it all for him.

As we move forward and try to navigate what this chapter of our lives look like I am so grateful for the love and support we have had from friends and family. As many of you know, my dad was the heart of our family, the provider, and our rock. To support my mom, we’ve kept his GoFundMe page active to help ease some of the financial burden and allow my mom to focus on healing.

If you feel moved to contribute or share the link, it would mean the world to us. Your kindness and generosity have already carried us through so much, and I know my dad would be so grateful for the way everyone has shown up for our family.

I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of love we’ve received and the memories of my dad that will forever live in my heart. My dad’s life was one of strength, kindness, and unwavering love, and I am committed to carrying his legacy forward in everything I do.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for continuing to lift us up during this unimaginable time. Whether it’s through a prayer, a kind word, or a contribution to his GoFundMe, please know that your support means more to us than words can ever express.

My dad always taught me to face life with courage and to never give up. And while the path ahead feels uncertain, I will honor him by living fearlessly, just as he would have wanted.

U𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓃𝑒𝓍𝓉 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎 𝒻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 🖤 – 𝒯

This isn’t goodbye, this is simply see you later Dad ❤