Jackson Free Press

This space is normally for my ranting about the sports world, but I'd like to take some time to be serious.

This time last year, I became a stay-at-home dad. This year has been a year of firsts with our child—but also lasts, because our daughter will be our only child, due to personal reasons. All of these first and last moments have made me more appreciative of the events of our lives.

While this year was full of celebration, I also felt great loss as my father passed away. I was very close to my father. He was a mountain of a man to live up to, and he is the type of man I strive to become each day.

I had no idea that last year we would celebrate our final Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's together. If I had known, I would have savored the moments and spent more time with him.

This year will be the first holiday season without him—but will truly be my daughter's first holiday season. It will be bittersweet seeing the excitement in her eyes while I have a hole in my heart because my father will miss sharing all this new excitement with us.

Even though the holidays can be stressful, and family can be a pain, enjoy the moments you get with your family members. There is no telling when the ones we love will no longer be with us.

Each moment of happiness watching my daughter roll over, speak her first words and take her first step is also filled with sadness knowing my dad can't be here to see those moments.

I plan to fill my home with stories of my father—not just because it is sad he is gone, but to celebrate his life with my daughter who will never know him.

Be thankful to have family surrounding you this holiday season. Believe me—I am 35, and I have buried a parent and a child. I know I am going to appreciate the time I'm given with my family much more for the rest of my days.