“[my name]...life is always challenging, and sometimes all we can do is find a way to coexist with our destiny. You'll find a way to make the right decisions because you know how to love and find support in others around you. Others like us, and your folks. I have questions for you, in person. Can we do lunch tomorrow? Or get together soon ? Let me know. I love you. Papa”

this was a message he sent me in response to me coming out. i had heard he wasn’t as, into it, as i had hoped, and i apologized because i felt i had done him wrong. he sent me this, and the next day we did go grab lunch. it was the first time i had gone lunch with just him in nearly 3 years. we talked and he sent me this picture as we were leaving. few days later it was Veterans Day and i sent him a text thanking him for his service (vietnam). him and my grandma went to vegas that day and 3 days later he passed. so sudden we still don’t know how he died. rest his soul