Dear Dad,

I can’t believe it’s been a month since we lost you. It’s been one of the hardest if not the hardest month of my life. I feel like a piece of my soul died that day and I really don’t know when or how I will feel whole again. I feel some peace knowing that you passed on on a day you did the thing you loved the most, golf. I hope you made some pars and birdies and had the best time with your friends.

I know we didn’t see eye to eye at times, but I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did for your family and that I love you dad. We appreciate all the sacrifices you made for us growing up, providing us with everything we needed to be happy, healthy adults. I know you were proud of your children and showed it by making sure everyone was eating well at celebratory and birthday dinners. I’m so glad you were able to see your 3 grandchildren grow up and my engagement to Tracie. I remember you dressing up and making sure everyone who wanted sake had their glasses full at our engagement dinner. Your smile at my nursing school graduation ceremony always fills my heart! ❤️

I will miss all the times I would come over to watch the final rounds of the majors, especially if Matsuyma, Morikawa, or Fowler had a chance to win. “Morikawa just birdied #15 and is only one shot back of the lead now.” I will miss hearing your yells and roars when someone made an incredible shot. I will miss you switching back and forth between the news and Ohtani’s next at-bat or pitch. I never told you this, but I am very proud to be Japanese and even more so to be a Togami.

It breaks my heart that you won’t be there to see Tracie and I get married in September, Ohtani win his first World Series ring and MVP, or your next set of grandchildren. Words can’t describe the pain we are all feeling. I will miss and think about you every day till the day I take my last breath and see you again. Please don’t worry about anything Dad, you did your job, and now you can rest! I love you.

                                                                                                                    Your baby boy,

                                                                                                                    Kevin

QOTP: “There is no expiration date on the love between a father and his child.”

– Jennifer Williamson