Jon Vaughn finally got life insurance. It wasn’t the inevitability of death that shook him; it was not being able to say his last words to his two daughters. So he wrote this, and recommends you do the same.
♦◊♦
Genesis & Olive,
I am sorry that I died. You are probably sad right now and I wish I could give you one last big hug and tell you goodbye. This was the only way I could say goodbye if I happened to die unexpectedly. While I’m writing this, I’m alive and well and I plan to keep trying to be the best dad I can be. I’m sad too. It’ll get better though, trust me. Ask anyone.
The one part about life that really sucks is the dying part. Just like a flower or a tree, we have a lifespan. Our human bodies can only handle so much. Sometimes it happens over time, and for others it is a shock or an accident. There is nobody to blame about death. It is a part of our nature. Everyone will die one day, unfortunately. Death should be a constant reminder to live, and live like you mean it. Don’t spend your time in negativity. Don’t waste your thoughts on fear. Fear is your own creation. Get out of fear and spend your time in the now, the present. Be right here because that is where you are and where you need to be. Truly live.
If you are sad, find comfort in friends and family. If you want to know more about me, what I did, or who I was, or what I believed in, ask any one of my friends. If you want to know what kind of kid I was, or the ruckus I caused, ask our family. If you want to know what kind of dad I was, look inside your heart. There are little pieces of me that will last you a lifetime in there.
Don’t let anyone spend a lot of money on a funeral. It’s not worth it. Who wants to spend a bunch of money on a dead guy? They say the average funeral is around $8,000. Think of all the fun you can have by going to Disneyland. Get a suite, jump on the beds, order room service, stay up late… do that kind of stuff instead.
Both of you girls have full, wonderful lives ahead of you. I tried my best to be the best dad I could be while I was alive. Now that I’m dead, it’s up to you. Take chances. Don’t be scared. Remember to breathe. Gain wisdom through understanding. Be respectful. Make others laugh and smile, even at your own expense. Be a joy. Help. Stop listening to Justin Bieber. Brush your teeth every day, at least once, but I’d hope twice. Hope. Find the good in all things, it’s always there. Eat vegetables or take vitamins. Bathe. Forgive, even when you don’t want to. Move on. Accept things for how they are, unless they are truly not acceptable. Wherever you go, make it a better place before you leave. Observe your environment. Be grateful. If you’re ever lost, look up, don’t ever look down. And even though I have told you it is my least favorite song, shine bright like a diamond.
I am the luckiest dad that ever lived and you girls made my life the best. I will forever live in your heart and if you ever get the chills, it’s probably me just messing with you. You know me.
I lub you,
Dadda
♦◊♦
Jon Vaughn is still alive fortunately, and is a single dad with two daughters.
—first appeared at Full Time Daddy
I’m a single parent to a little boy and this made me weep like a little girl. Thank you! I think that I needed that.
My dad died 13 years ago tomorrow, when I was a “still trying to figure out what I was” 27 year old. I am in a good place now personally and professionally, and I now have 2 and 4 year old daughters. Thank you for sharing this slice of wisdom. Taken to heart.