Brandon's dad passed away around 5:30 pm yesterday. He was surrounded by his children, plus me, but he'd always made me feel like a daughter. It was very peaceful. He was deeply loved, and even though he has been in pain for years, it seemed too soon.

Now the family has to plan his memorial and go through his things. I think going through his stuff in the garage will be the hardest. Brandon, Sean and I spent so many nights just standing around in the garage, talking to his dad and playing with his tools. Sometimes we'd be there pretty late, too. It was fun just to hang out and joke around. Brandon's dad had a great sense of humor. When he had his foot amputated, he joked that he could say he was attacked by a shark while surfing. And he said he'd thought about shoe shopping in the future, that he would just switch out one shoe so that he had two right shoes.

He always drove Brandon and me to the airport whenever we flew to Alabama, even this last trip. He went out of his way to help us out, and for that we are truly grateful. He was a kind, patient and loving father, and he will be missed greatly.