Dad-1 year

1 year ago, (4/29) morning, everyone woke up to the news of Mike Kay's passing. However, the family knew the truth; 11:11 pm 4/28 will forever be etched in our hearts.

Dad,

How has it already been 365 days?! I've needed you more than you can imagine over the past year. It has been the hardest year of my life, with attacks from every angle. Thankfully, your strength, determination, drive, stubbornness, fierce loyalty and love all made its way to me and I've had that to lean on.

What I wouldn't give for one more hug, bitch session, cribbage game, project or kick ass motivational speech. I'm trying to apply all the lessons you taught me; to tell the truth, hold firm to my beliefs, keep my cards and friends close yet my enemies closer, lean on God, uphold the family name and never give up...Kay's don't quit!

You left a legacy of love and a huge hole down here. I hope you're looking down and proud of where we're all at.

Spent some time reflecting over the year with you in the Rose Garden tonight

Enjoyed a shot in honor of you

Always down for a good time

Lincoln Park Zoo

We spent the day at the Lincoln Park Zoo with Daniel during Liberty. We saw a lot of animals and had a great time. 

A look back on 2025

This year was unlike any others I've experienced recently. It had my lowest low and, unfortunately, the highs weren't as high as some years. However, my word of the year for 2025 was Fortitude and I leaned in to that frequently throughout the year.  

This year, I am going to lean into two words; embrace and cherish.  I will embrace whatever comes my way and cherish the memories I make along the way.

For now...a look back on the year 2025  

January

*Basketball, Aaron Lewis Concert, Globetrotters, Bowling

February

*New tattoo, Palm Springs, Valentines Day, Basketball, Bowling

March

*Bowling, Beach, Relaxing time, Pokemon

April

*Easter, Eric leaves for the Air Force, Loss of Dad, Bowling

May

*Mothers Day, Bowling, Dads service

June

*End of school, Pokemon, Bowling, Daniel goes through MEPS, Hudson's Crossover, Beach Trips, Family trip to Sunriver, New Orleans work trip

July

*4th of July, Top Golf, Wings and Waves, OMSI, Beach Boys concert, Bowling, Pokemon

August

*Beach trips, Birthdays, Spreading Dad's ashes, Backyard Campout

September 

*5th Grade (21st year for me, 1st year for Hudson), Bowling 

October 

*Jer's 50th Birthday, Family Get together, Backyard Football, Eric visits, Fancy Dinner, Halloween

November 

*My birthday, Bowling, Pokemon, Santa Visits, Condo Time, Farewell Dinner for Daniel

December

*Daniel leaves for the Navy, Basketball, Bowling, Christmas Fun, New Car