Count your blessings...
 

Thanksgiving is my personal favorite holiday and always has been (I'm a foodie). This Thanksgiving is like no other as it marks 2 months of since my first born son (22 years old) passed, losing his multi year battle with depression. Ironic that it falls exactly on the date.

I'm thankful for so much, but my kids are by far, at the top of that list.

I've struggled with how I can lead my family through this holiday season, partially because I don't know how I'll get through it, but because I feel so genuinely ill-equipped to do it.

But that's parenting as a whole, being ill-equipped.

My son always joked that he was our practice child, and to be fair, he was. Every experience I had with him was my first such experience. But the more kids we had, the more I realized just how unique they each are, presenting a whole new level of all the emotions and experiences truly special to themselves.

So while I am still filled with sorrow beyond description at his absence, I'm so thankful for the 22 years that I had my first born son, Hayden, in my life. I wanted more, but I have to take what I was given, and know that I still have these other amazing 4 children to continue to experience life with.

Count your blessings
Count them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done

Sorry for your loss, brother.

Happy thanksgiving. Your strength is admirable. My hope for you and the rest of your family is to find joy in your time together today and every day after.

Damn, Dave... sorry for your loss, just lean on your faith and you'll come out the other side of this

Really sorry to hear, I can't even imagine. My thoughts are with you

I can’t even imagine the loss of a child or what you are going through. I pray for strength for you and family during this holiday season.

Sorry for your loss...may you and your family find strength in each other.

Put your faith in God. One day at a time. So sorry for your loss.

Much respect to you. I cannot imagine. Happy thanksgiving, prayers to your family.

My brother, as a father who also lost his firstborn and namesake. I don’t even remember the first few years after. Shot was a blur, and as much as I didn’t wanna celebrate we still had the girls, and had to try to find some normalcy. Was a rough go, and honestly even after 14 years the wound is still as fresh as the day it happened. I can’t even tho k about him or I break into tears immediately (like I am now). My memory has completely blocked out large chunks of my past. My wife and kids talk about times with them all that I don’t seem to remember. It’s sad , and bro I feel your pain. I don’t know you, but man if you ever need an ear to listen that’s been there please don’t hesitate to hit me up. I applaud you for doing what we must on these situations, and pushing on despite a large part of you missing. But it’s all that we can do! Sending prayers your way brother! One love!

Accidentally hit the thumbs down trying to hit the thumbs up. Sorry

Appreciate it

All day this, and count your blessings.

I am one of four siblings, there's two of us left. I lost a sister in her 30's(derpression) and my oldest brother when he was 53(brain cancer). The best advice I could give is eventually you have to live for those that are still here and need your love and joy, yes joy. I also believe that is what my siblings would want and that is what your son would want. While there is still sadness when I think about them sometimes, I try to think of a fun time, and then share a happy story with my brother or Mom. It's tough, but those around you, yourself, and those that passed want you to be joyful, but thoughtful. Prayers to you.

Thoughts and Prayers for you Dave....
RIP to your boy!!!