05/02/2025
Please read this. Everybody could be one of the last things I write, who knows.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2aBbKrft7k4ZFBjcHRFUFB5Q3c/view?usp=drivesdk&resourcekey=0-3KrPfVVH4sZ9NwpGuyT6SA
Marissa, My Miracle
— A Father’s Reflection on the Day She Was Born
I remember it vividly—the day you arrived,
Though months before, in dreams, you had already thrived.
I told the doctor, and to Carrie confided,
“Her name is Marissa,” I proudly decided.
Brown hair cascading, eyes of deepest brown,
Tall and graceful, with a radiant crown.
I saw you clearly, from heart to mind,
A vision of love, perfectly designed.
Before your birth, at night I’d see,
A little girl, aged five, dancing with glee.
We’d laugh, we’d play, in dreams so true,
A bond unbroken, between me and you.
Then came the day, our world transformed,
You entered our lives, a miracle born.
In that room, with Grandpa near,
Carrie resting, love sincere.
But your eyes, they shone a different hue,
Not the brown I envisioned, but a vibrant green-blue.
The doctor smiled, “You got all but this right,”
Carrie agreed, in the soft morning light.
I held you close, whispered with a grin,
“They’ll turn brown soon, just wait and see, within.”
Months passed by, then came the day,
Carrie called out, “Jeremy, come this way!” 
Your eyes were changing, just as I’d known,
Deepening into the brown that had brightly shone
In dreams and visions, long before your birth,
Affirming the bond, our love’s true worth.
We lived the life I’d always known,
Each moment with you, my heart had grown.
But past age five, the visions ceased,
A silent worry, my mind not eased.
I feared the unknown, what lay ahead,
What if fate had different plans instead?
But life unfolded, as it often does,
Changes came, testing our love.
At five, when paths began to part,
Carrie left, leaving a mark on our heart.
Yet, I choose to cherish the days of light,
The laughter, the joy, the pure delight.
This poem, this tribute, is for you, my dear,
A testament of love, unwavering and clear.
From the moment I dreamed you, to the day you arrived,
Marissa, my miracle, forever alive.
⸻
Some Things Daddy Wants You to Know
Marissa, my sweet girl, there are truths I hope you’ll always carry with you.
I’ve loved you more than anything in this world, and that love began months before you were ever born. You are exactly the daughter I dreamed of—kind, intelligent, and full of life.
Yes, we didn’t have Madison, but we have you, and you are so incredibly special. When you showed me your honor roll today, my heart swelled with pride. Your dedication to your studies, your involvement in sports like dance, gymnastics, track, and basketball, and your ability to balance work and school—all of it amazes me. Every grade an ‘A’; you are truly exceptional.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you follow in the footsteps of your Aunt Michelle or your grandmother and become a school valedictorian. Both of us felt a deep loss when we lost Grandpa and now Matthew, but I know how special your relationship with Grandpa was. He loved you immensely. The nicknames we shared for you—Doodle, Doodles, Punk, Punks, Sweetheart, Baby Girl, Beautiful, My Best Friend—each one a testament to our affection.
Today is June 1, 2025, and I want you to know that no matter what happens, I will always love you. I will always look over you, take care of you, and help you whenever you need it. Just ask, and I will be there, because you deserve the world.
I trust you completely. I know you’re not into drugs or drinking, and I trust you to have a vehicle at age 15. I believe in you more than anyone else on the planet. I know how much you love your daddy.
I’ve never had to discipline you harshly because you’ve always been such a good-hearted person. That’s why I take you on trips and involve you in charitable activities—to show you the world, to instill empathy and love in your heart, so you’ll always spread kindness and never turn your back on those in need.
I love you, my little girl, and I can’t wait to talk with you soon. I’m sure tomorrow after school, we’ll catch up. Now, I need to start bragging about your straight A’s and get that honor roll certificate framed and hung up.
I love you, Marissa.
Bye-bye, babe.
