Leah Bailey

All jokes and silliness aside, I would give absolutely anything to have my dad here for real today.
To hear his laugh again. To hear his voice. To have him sitting in my passenger seat, telling me how to drive or complaining about the music I'm playing. To watch him walk beside his grandchildren, play with them at the park, and sit around our dinner table making memories with us.
I know some people might find what I've done today a little strange, but humour has always been one of the ways I've dealt with missing him. Because if I don't laugh about it sometimes, I'll cry. And believe me, there are plenty of tears behind these jokes.
The truth is, I would trade every single laugh I had today for just one more real moment with him. One more hug. One more conversation. One more birthday where I could look him in the eyes and tell him how much I love him.
And what hurts the most is knowing how much he's missing. Watching my babies grow, seeing the life I've built, and being part of all these little moments that mean absolutely everything.
So today, I took my dad on a birthday adventure. We laughed, we made memories, and even though he couldn't laugh back, I like to think he would've gotten a kick out of all of this.
Because death may have taken my dad from this world, but it will never take away my love for him, my memories of him, or my ability to find a little laughter in the heartbreak.
I'd give anything to have you here, Dad. But until I can celebrate another birthday with you, I'll keep finding ways to celebrate you.
Happy heavenly birthday, Dad. I hope somehow, somewhere, you were laughing right along with us. ❤️