Some of you may know that my father suddenly lost his life in a fatal crash on June 27, 2013 at 6:30pm. Typing these words, still does not seem real, but sadly enough it is our reality. Kylie's Papa Joe loved her more than anything else. It breaks my heart to know she will not have future moments to share with him.
Just watching her talk or play, or do anything at all made him smile. She brought so much light to his life, and I know he did the same to her. I loved watching him watch her, and see how much joy she brought him. We know Kylie is a miracle and such a blessing to us, and I love that she has been a blessing to so many...especially her Papa Joe.
This is the first time my dad held her
He wanted so badly to hug her and hold her tight, but those sensory issues of hers wouldn't allow it.
I love this picture so much! My hub's with my dad and Kylie...and Abbie
What a moment captured here...Kylie looking at her Papa, him watching her, and me watching him.
We stayed an extra night in Ohio to go to Nights Under Fire at the racetrack. I'm so glad we stayed because it was a lot of fun. Kylie stayed in the RV with my mom and Abbie. Here he is with Kylie and Abbie.
Another beautiful moment...no matter what she was doing, they both were in awe of her. I'm gonna miss this.
Getting a little bit better at the hug...so close!
Okay, so this was cute...my dad was holding their dog Abbie, and Kylie loved her so much she wanted to hug her....this was Papa Joe's ticket to get a hug, and it worked!
Kylie wasn't really into holding hands with anyone but us, but I had to be busy getting out of the car when we got to the store, so she had to hold Papa Joe's hand. Isn't it beautiful!
So Kylie loves to be silly, and even here with no idea as to what is so funny...Papa Joe always watches her.
We went to play miniature golf one time, and my dad was such a great Papa...he got down to her level and was on her every word...he was all about soaking up the moments with her.
No prouder Papa than he was here!
More sweetness
Grandma Karen, Uncle Joey, Matt, Kylie, Papa Joe
Getting some help from her Papa
I just need to remember that he will forever be there to lift us up and help us through.
Kylie wanted Papa Joe to put her to bed and read her a book.
This was one of the times my parents came out to visit me in Kansas. Here is a pic of my dad and I at the college I was going to at the time. I love this picture so much!
My brother works at a transmission shop and builds racing transmissions. His boss's mom made this quilt for Kylie. It is just beautiful, and so colorful and lively...just like Kylie and Papa Joe were together.
This is a handkerchief Matt's grandma made for us to put with my dad at his funeral. I put it right by his heart, so he will always have us with him. It was so beautiful, and just perfect!
A friend of ours from church was able to rally together with a couple other folks to get a cross made to honor my dad and put at the sight of the crash. It still seems so surreal to me. We are so grateful for the support and kindness from the quilt, to the handkerchief, to the cross and every one that was there for my family at this tragic time.
Here is Matt, Ryan (my sister's boyfriend) and Trevor (the firefighter that extricated my dad from his truck). Trevor and another firefighter met us to make sure we were safe to put the cross up at the sight.
My dad really liked the color purple, and how amazing is it that purple became such a prominent color in our lives with Kylie and what she has been through. Kylie had a special connection with her Papa Joe, and it ran deeper than anyone of us ever would have known.
One thing I can say, is that despite Kylie's anxiety and sensory issues, last Summer and Christmas she was able to hug and be hugged by us and her Papa Joe. I know how much he always wanted to hold her and hug her, so I am truly grateful that through the help and support from her doctors and school, Papa Joe was able to get his hugs from Kylie. We will forever love and miss you Papa Joe.
