1409 days

Three years, ten months and nine days, 33,816 hours, 201 weeks. Doesn't matter how you look at it you didn't get to be her daddy here on earth long enough. You tried so hard to make every moment count. Always telling her how proud you are, how beautiful she is, how much you love her.
We knew there would be obstacles with your health. You always faced those challenges head on. Never giving up, never letting her see you quit. You showed her what true bravery, love and will power can do.
For only having 1409 days as a father you certainly packed in a life time of memories and lessons. Kate and I sat down tonight and watched the video of you and her watching her first Cubs game. You didn't even know I was taping it. That's the best part of the video. You were just you. Holding her, loving her, talking to her even though she was only a few weeks old.
She's going to know how much you loved her. She'll know it because you have already given it to her. You'll always be her best daddy. When she goes through that awful teenage phase of hating her mother, I'm so glad she'll have her daddy to love. You won't be here to tell her to be responsible, act nicely, do the right thing or follow her heart but she'll hear it anyways. I know with every piece of me, that you will always be a warmth in her heart and a sensible voice in her mind.
In 33,816 hours you accomplished more than most dads do in a lifetime. One of the few benefits from knowing you weren't going to be here long enough.
Thank you for making every moment count. Thank you for being a wonderful father to our baby girl. And thank you for always watching over her.

From her first breath...

to your last, you were simply the best father anyone could ask for.


You will forever be the best dad that ever lived.
We love you and miss you every day.

Always,
B and K