06/06/2026
Yesterday, out on a fishing boat in Alaska, I could feel my dad all around me.
Not in a way I can explain.
Just a knowing.
A presence.
A feeling that he was right there beside me, carried on the wind and woven into the water.
Then today, walking through downtown Sitka, a familiar melody drifted through the air.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
My mom’s favorite song.
The song we played for her as she slipped gently from this world into the next.
The song Kenna and I sang softly over her as she made her journey into the ether.
For a moment, time stood still.
I felt the tears rise, but this time they weren’t only tears of grief.
They were tears of love.
Of remembrance.
Of joy.
Because in that moment, I wasn’t missing them.
I was with them.
And I was reminded of something I believe with every part of my being:
We never truly lose the people we love.
They find ways to reach us.
Through songs.
Through sunsets.
Through ravens and rainbows.
Through quiet moments when our hearts are open enough to notice.
Love doesn’t end when a body does.
It simply changes form.
Today, I let the tears come.
I let the joy move through me.
And for a few beautiful moments, I felt both my mom and dad wrapped around me like a warm embrace.
They’re still here.
Always have been.
Always will be. 💜🦋💜