To my hero, confidant and biggest supporter.

Dad, I am at a loss for words. You did not fight to get better this time, you wanted to go home to Mom.

When you started getting sick and were diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 2017, I promised you that I would look after you. You wanted to go to an old age home and I told you over my dead body. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to spend all that time with you. I treasure every moment I had with you.

Two weeks ago, you started planning our day trips so that I can start capturing landscape and nature photos to sell. We wanted to use that money to fund our Namibia and Sutherland trip. We had so many travel plans for the next 2 years… So many places you still wanted to show me and places you still wanted to go to.

Tuesday, 22 February 2022, you told me you felt like a burden and that you were holding me back. You said you don’t like it that I put my life on hold for you. Dad, I will do it over and over again. You weren’t a burden and it was my choice to take care of you. You took care of me my whole life; it was my turn to take care of you.

Wednesday, 23 February 2022, you left me and I really don’t know how I am going to go on a road trip without you beside me. You will not be there telling me stories about your days as a young man and all the mischief you were up to. You told me so many stories of the inspections you went on to the different towns for work. When we stopped for a break you would stop, but as soon as we got in the car you just continued the story. It was like when we got out you hit pause and when we got back in the car you hit play again.

Dad, I am just very happy that we could tick off Scotland from your bucket list as well. It was a wonderful experience and we still talked about it just before you left….

Who is going to make fun of me, about the Puffins I never captured in Scotland? Every time you saw a puffin on TV you paused and called me. I have to come look. We spend hours watching programs about Scotland and you supported the fact that I want to move there permanently one day.

I did not plan on you leaving me so soon. I thought we still had at least a few years of travel and time together…

Dad, I want to thank you with all my heart for all that you have done for me over the past 48 years. You encouraged me to live my dreams and supported me 199%.

I will honor my promise to you and go to Scotland as soon as I am able too. But for now, I am going to see all the places you still wanted to go to and I will take award winning photos in honor of you.

You will always be in my heart.

Your loving daughter

Coreen