Jimmy would eventually become my stepfather and an important part of my life. He was a hardworking, dependable man who believed in showing up, doing what needed to be done, and taking care of the people he loved.

I will always be grateful that our paths crossed.

Jimmy's life became part of my story, and his passing became part of the journey that ultimately led me to create GLADD.

When Jimmy died on April 14, 2005, I could never have imagined how deeply his passing would shape my life and my purpose. Grief changes us. Sometimes we don't understand why certain things happen or where they will lead us. But with time, I have come to understand that the people we love never truly leave us.

They become part of who we are.

In many ways, Jimmy is part of GLADD.

His memory is part of the reason I understand that grief doesn't simply disappear when someone dies. We carry the people we love with us—in our hearts, in our memories, in the lessons they taught us, and in the little moments that unexpectedly remind us they are still with us.

I think about Jimmy every single day.

And sometimes, he still finds a way to make me smile.

Even when a little bird decides to leave its mark right in the middle of my windshield, I can't help but laugh and say:

“Okay, Jimmy. I know that's you.”

It's a little moment, but to me, it means everything. It reminds me that love doesn't end when someone dies. The relationship simply changes. We find them in memories, in signs, in stories, and in the moments that make us stop and smile.

Jimmy may have left this world in 2005, but he never left my heart.

His life helped shape mine.
His passing helped shape my purpose.
And his memory continues to walk beside me as I build GLADD and work toward making sure that no one has to grieve alone.

I will forever be grateful for the role Jimmy played in my life and for the impact his life and his passing had on the person I became.

Jimmy, I love you.
I miss you.
I think about you every single day.

And I promise you, I will continue doing the work I believe I was put here to do.

A part of you will always be a part of me.

Forever loved.
Forever remembered.
Forever part of the GLADD journey.