Picture yourself lounging on your favorite beach, basking in the warmth of the sun as it kisses your face. You can’t help but feel that warmth seep into your body and soul, filling you with peace and joy.
That’s what my dad was like. He had an extraordinary way of entering a room and instantly shifting the energy, lifting the mood in the most beautiful way. He brought light wherever he went, filling every space with laughter, smiles, and happiness. It was almost like watching magic in action.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what made him this way. Sure, he had a remarkable personality, but there was something more.
He saw the best in everyone, always recognizing the good and the potential in people.
Not only did he see that potential, but he truly believed in you. His belief was so powerful, it made you believe in yourself, too. He was not just a great coach but your biggest cheerleader, always celebrating your progress.
He had a rare talent for offering tough feedback or guidance while still leaving you feeling confident, never even realizing that you’d just been corrected.
No matter the situation, he could find humor, and his laugh was so contagious, it filled everyone around him with joy.
He was always looking for ways to serve others, quietly stepping in to meet a need without expecting anything in return.
These are just a few of the qualities that made him so special, but the heart of it all was his deep love for others. You could feel it every time he entered a room—his genuine care and affection for people.
Having experienced that warmth so many times, I want to live up to his example. I want to spread that sunshine wherever I go, so others can feel the same warmth and love.
Though not a day goes by that I don’t miss his sunshine, I’m forever grateful for the priceless memories that bring that warmth back in an instant. I’m thankful for my mom, my siblings, my children, and grandchildren who carry on his legacy and continue to spread that light. Most of all, I’m thankful for the life he lived and the example he set, showing how to bring sunshine into the world every single day.
