A Father’s Reflection: Brooklyn’s Ripple of Love, Light, and Kindness

Brooklyn may have been small, but her wisdom was boundless. She taught me more about how to live than I ever thought possible.

Each day, we’re faced with a choice: how we want to dance with the world. With every step, gesture, and word, we send our own ripples outward. Brooklyn’s were always filled with love, light, and kindness. She showed me the power of putting good into the world. Here are the lessons she taught me, shared with you, so that her ripple can continue to grow.

She showed me that love is the greatest light of all. There’s nothing else like it. Whether through a hug, a look, or a giggle, we all just want to love and be loved. Her presence reminded me that we have so much to give and receive; we just need to turn toward love each day, not away from it.

Be kinder. To yourself, to others, to animals. We’re all just trying to make it through each day.

From her, I learned that even the hardest days can end in love. One smile or laugh can turn someone’s whole day around. There’s nothing better than hearing a toddler laugh. It’s the bread and butter of life.

She reminded me that it’s okay to feel frustrated or angry - just don’t live there too long. It’s okay to pause and take a moment for yourself, the world needs you at your best.

She showed me that being firm and kind can coexist. That often, your tone matters more than your words. Brooklyn didn’t always need words to connect deeply.

She lived with a presence that taught me how much being present really matters.

That simple is best. Sliding at the park, walking the dog, riding in a wagon - those are the moments. Simple foods: avocados, bananas, rice, beans, fruits, veggies and nuts all nourish us best. (But ice cream? Always good.) And simple moments with family and friends? Priceless. God has placed joy all around us; in the everyday.

Brooklyn taught me what it means to be a parent. That being a father means being a rock. Consistent, loving, understanding, and present. To hold yourself accountable. Get up, work hard, and love your family.

That children mirror your behavior, not your advice. That raising good humans is one of life’s great purposes. And most of all, always give the hug, the kiss, the goodbye, no matter what time it is.

She taught me that patience is everything. It’s the root of kindness.

To take life one day at a time, and try to be better today than you were yesterday. She reminded me that it’s not just okay, but essential, to try new things. If you fall, or fail, get up, shake it off, and try again. You’ll find what you’re seeking.

She showed me that whatever you set out to do: walking, talking, or climbing mountains, your mind will help you get there. Keep it strong, and on your side.

Take pride in your work. Go after what truly matters.

What matters most is showing up. For yourself, for those you love, and for those you can help. And even if you're mismatched or having a bad hair day, show up anyway.

Brooklyn showed me joy in its purest form. Ask questions. Ask all of them. Learn. Create. Imagine freely.

Try a new dance move, sing a new song, play a new instrument. Go on a new adventure and find out more about yourself. Whatever you do, do it with all your heart and give yourself grace as you learn.

Choose your own adventure each day. If it means making a wild animal art project with 17 crayon colors, 3 glue sticks, 5 markers, 4 paint colors, and pink construction paper, do it! And don’t let the naysayers make you question what brings you joy.

She showed me that there's just as much joy in strumming a one-string guitar with your little sidekick singing “Baa Baa Black Sheep” as there is in being front row at your favorite concert.

She reminded me to celebrate what you can, when you can. And to take lots of photos. Look at them often.

She showed me that each day holds the chance to grow, and to learn; about ourselves, our families, and our friends.

She reminded me how precious childhood is, and how important it is to protect it. That dirt, sand, and water are part of learning. And that shoes are actually for throwing, not wearing. Who knew?

Brooklyn taught me that when life feels overwhelming, sometimes all you need is a snack, a hug with a couple gentle pats, and all is right in the universe.

But most of all, she taught me this: Love, light, and kindness are the gifts we carry forward. And that time moves exponentially fast. Make the most of every moment, every day, every interaction.

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“She floated back down ‘cause she wanted to share 

Her key to the locks on the chains she saw everywhere 

And she still gives her love, she just gives it away 

The love she receives is the love that is saved” 

— From the song “Given to Fly” by Pearl Jam

Brooklyn’s soul is still gently unlocking hearts. She opens us to more kindness, more tenderness, more love, just as she always did. Her spirit moves in the quiet spaces, reminding us how to soften, how to give, how to feel. Her love keeps flowing—pure and free. And the love we continue to share with her, it’s not lost. It’s tucked safely within us, shining brighter with every memory, every smile, every act of love we choose in her name.

“Dear Brooklyn, see the sunny skies 

The wind is low, the birds will sing 

That you are part of everything” 

— From the song “Dear Prudence” (Although I like “Dear Brooklyn” better), The Beatles, 1968

She is part of everything now. She’s in me. She’s behind each of you. She’s in the breeze that brushes your face on a quiet morning, in the warmth of sunlight that spills across the floor, and in the sparkle on the water when it catches just right. She’s in the unfiltered laugh of a child playing freely, the soft paw of a dog curled up beside you, and the stillness that settles in during an afternoon nap. She’s there in the smell of fresh pancakes, and the colors of a messy art project.  You’ll feel her in the rhythm of your favorite song, the joy of spotting a butterfly, a dragonfly, or a cardinal, the moment a yellow flower blooms unexpectedly. She lives in those small, sacred, everyday wonders. The ones you may have missed before, but now feel charged with something more. That’s her. She’s reminding us to notice, to slow down, and to feel, because she’s still with us. Everywhere, shining her light. Always.

Thank you, Brooklyn. For your love. For your lessons. For your joy.

 You are part of everything. And we will carry you with us, always.

 We love you, and we miss you.