Brent Eldridge Dear Dad, It’s hard to find the right words now that you’re gone. Even though I knew this moment would come, it still feels unreal, like a part of me is missing. The world seems quieter without you in it, and I already miss your stories, your laughter, and even your stubbornness. You were always larger than life. The way you could fill a room with your presence, the stories you told that seemed too wild to be true, but somehow I knew they were. You had a way of making the ordinary seem extraordinary, and I loved that about you. Even when your temper flared, there was always a deep love and passion behind it. You cared so much, even if it didn’t always come out in the softest ways. Those six months we spent team driving together were some of the best times of my life. We grew so close on the road, sharing long hours and even longer conversations. It was just you and me, out there in the world, and I’ll always treasure those memories. I learned so much from you, not just about driving, but about life—about strength, perseverance, and love. We laughed, argued, and shared so much in that truck. I’m so grateful for that time together. It meant the world to me that you got to hold Eleanor when she was just a little baby. Watching you with her, seeing the joy in your eyes—it’s something I’ll never forget. And then when you met Otto, it felt like a circle being completed. You got to know my family, and you spent time with Lindsey, who loved you too. Those moments will always stay with me. The last four years were hard. Seeing you go through dialysis, watching you fight through the pain, knowing that the end was near—it was heartbreaking. But even through that struggle, you never lost your spirit. You were always you—strong, stubborn, and full of life, right until the end. Dad, I miss you more than I can say. I miss your voice, your stories, and just knowing you were there. But I take comfort in the memories we made, in the love we shared, and in knowing that you’re finally at peace. Thank you for everything you gave me—for being my dad, for the lessons, the love, and the laughter. Rest easy now. I’ll carry your spirit with me always, and I’ll make sure Eleanor and Otto know all about their grandpa—about the larger-than-life man who loved them so much. I will love always, Brent Eldridge
4 months ago