In May of 2003, right after my freshman year of college, my family and I took off on a once in a life time trip to Hawaii.
Our first day there we decided to go snorkeling at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Hanauma Bay. That morning started off amazing as my Dad and I were able to see some amazing sea life as we snorkeled together.
But I could have never predicted what was going to happen next. My dad and I got caught up in a rough area of the bay called Witches Brew. My Dad started yelling for help and before I knew it, he was under the water.
Despite my efforts to save him, my dad drowned that morning.
It went from one of the best days of my life to the worst days of my life in a matter of minutes.
That afternoon back in the condo, as I was weeping, mourning, and at a complete loss,
my mother walked into the room and handed me something.
I had no idea what it was.
"The last few months your dad was working on a letter for you guys and he just finished
it a few weeks ago."
"Here is your copy.
He brought it on this trip to give it to you."
My dad had no idea when he was writing us that letter that he was about to die.
He had no idea it would be his final words to me.
I read the letter and I wept.
The letter encouraged me to persevere, have courage,
and to live with an eternal perspective.
This letter changed my life. Not only did my Dad's words get me through that incredibly difficult period of my life, my Dad's voice, through the letter, is still guiding me to this day.