If there’s one thing I’ve done right in this life, that shows the world the best parts of me, it’s being a dad to these two incredible women. Watching them grow, find themselves, and build lives rooted in passion and kindness has been a privilege beyond anything I could’ve imagined.
Katie – My Free Spirit
There’s something about Katie that’s hard to explain, but you feel it the moment she walks into a room.
She’s my free spirit. Always chasing the next adventure—whether it’s a spontaneous road trip, a creative project, or just a new perspective on life. She lives boldly, fully, and unapologetically. She makes you believe anything is possible, because she actually lives like it is.
But her heart? That’s what truly sets her apart.
Katie is one of the most caring, empathetic people I’ve ever known. She leads with kindness. She notices when people are hurting—and she shows up. Every time. The kind of person who puts others first, not because she has to, but because that’s just who she is.
And now she’s building a life filled with love, too—with Dan, her boyfriend, who clearly sees what the rest of us do. He loves her, supports her, and adores her in all the best ways. Watching the way he looks at her, how they show up for each other—that means a lot to me.
Katie is everything good wrapped up in curiosity, creativity, and compassion. She’s not just an incredible daughter. She’s an incredible human.
Anya – My Determined Dreamer
Then there’s Anya.
She’s always had a spark in her—determination mixed with this rich creative streak that’s been with her since she was little. The difference with Anya is, when she dreams, she does. She doesn’t just talk about what she wants—she builds it. She works hard, she stays focused, and she follows through.
Right now, she’s working for Disney in Florida, doing exactly what she set out to do. I miss her terribly. That part doesn’t get easier. But watching her live this life she’s worked so hard for? I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
And she’s not out there alone.
Matthew—her boyfriend—is right by her side. He supports her, loves her, and when she’s feeling overwhelmed or sad, he gives her the hugs I wish I could. Knowing she has someone who cares for her like that, who sees her strength and loves her even more for it… that means everything to me.
Anya and I have always had our weird little routines—our inside jokes and quirks that don’t make sense to anyone else. But they still make us laugh. They still connect us, even across the miles.
She’s strong. She’s talented. She’s full of heart. And she’s mine.
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Final Thoughts
If you want to understand the best parts of me—just look at my daughters.
Katie and Anya are wildly different in the most wonderful ways. And yet, they’re both kind, compassionate, and full of fire. I may not have done everything right in this life, but being their dad? That’s my proudest role.
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Parenting while going through cancer is its own kind of heartbreak and hope. You want to protect them from it all, but at the same time, every moment feels even more sacred. If you’re navigating this too, you’re not alone.
For resources on talking to your kids about cancer, visit The Fruit Fly Collective. They’re doing incredible work to support families through this.
