October 18, 2015: The day you lost your best friend.
I will never forget the phone call that I got that night. I can still remember the way your voice trembled, and I immediately knew that something was wrong. My mind filled with thoughts, and I braced myself for the worst. However, the next few words that you said to me were worse than any words that I could have ever imagined: "My dad died."
I went through all five stages of grief within 30 seconds. I remember sitting in disbelief because I couldn't believe a person full of life and laughter such as your dad was gone. My heart broke for you and your family, no one deserves that kind of loss. As we all know, we all die at some point, but you never think it is going to happen to you or someone close to you.
I know that college is a big change because acclimating to a new environment is really rough. You had to do it while mourning the loss of one of the most important people in your life. It showed me that my problems were so petty and minuscule, compared to what you were dealing with every day. So, I told myself every day that if you could do it, so could I. You have become one of the strongest and most resilient people I know. Thank you for being a bigger inspiration to me even more than you were before.
I know your dad was so proud of the person you are, and the person you are becoming. When I talked to him about you, he always had the biggest smile on his face. You were his little girl who always made him proud. I always loved how he was your siblings' biggest fan, always representing the team's gear. He was also one of the funniest people that I have ever met. I will never forget all the dad jokes he cracked and the "hip" dance moves he did for us. He was always the life of the party, and his laugh could fill up the room. Although I only saw him from time to time, every time I saw him he never failed to put a smile on my face. He was one of the greatest men I have ever met, no wonder why he was your superhero.
I know that nothing I say or do will ever ease the pain of losing one of the most important men in your life. Thankfully he left you the greatest support group you could ever have: your family (and me). I promise that he will be sitting in between both of your brothers as we interrogate every boy you bring home. I promise to make an unbelievable toast at your wedding to make him proud. I promise to force your family to tell your children and husband every story they have about him. I will always be there to make fun of all the people who say the craziest things to you. Most importantly, I will always be there for you, through the bad and the good. Just know that you are never alone because you have your family and friends always by your side.
I know that your dad, wherever he may be, is always watching over you. You now have him as your good luck charm for every test and job interview. He will always be there to make sure no boys talk to his little girl. No matter where you are or where you go, I know he will always be there to protect you and see all of your accomplishments. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet your dad. He was one of the best people that I have ever met, and I will never forget the way he walked with such pep in his step. Every memory I had with him always leaves me smiling. I am sure that he is forever grateful to have had such an incredible wife and children, and I know you all feel the same. He will be remembered with a smile always on his face, cracking jokes while being one of the best dads in the world. We love you forever.
In loving memory of Jeff Neal Sofley.
