The Greatest Gift

When I sat down to talk about Marc and Drew, I knew I wouldn’t be able to get it all out in one go.

There’s just so much. Too many little moments that added up to something big. But I knew I had to start somewhere, because Drew deserves something he can come back to. Something that helps him feel, without a doubt, how deeply he was loved.

If I were sitting in front of Drew right now, I’d begin with the most important thing. I love you. I’ve always loved you and I always will. I’m here for you, no matter what. You’ve always had me and I always will be in your corner, here supporting and loving you. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it. I will always be here for you Drew, you will never have to doubt that. I love you so much my love. 

There was our little family. Marc, Drew, and me. I was so lucky and blessed to be part of it. Lucky that Marc let me in. Even luckier that Drew welcomed me. That’s something I’ll never forget and always be beyond grateful for. Marc opened the door, but it was both Drew and Marc who made me feel like I truly belonged.

I used to tell Marc all the time that Drew was the greatest gift I had ever been given. He really is my world. He changed my life. And Marc knew that. He was so proud of Drew. Not in a surface-level way, but in that deep, full-body kind of pride. Drew wasn’t just his son. He was his best friend. The absolute love of his life. His light and His reason for everything.

Marc worried sometimes that he wasn’t doing enough or that he was messing it up. I’d always remind him he was doing an incredible job. In Drew’s eyes Marc was his hear, strong daddy. There’s no parenting manual. And even if there was one, Marc would have chucked it and just done what felt right. That was his way. He led with love, with real presence, with a full heart.

There are so many memories, but a few still make me smile every time. The dad jokes. Those were something else. He went all in. And now, Drew tells the same kind of jokes, with the same grin.  Then there were the classic dad moments. Marc made us go to Legoland even though no one else wanted to. He was the guy who picked the biggest pumpkin at the patch and carried it around like a badge of honour. He was the dad who made sure that every Christmas, Halloween, Easter, thanksgiving and all the rest were made so special and with endless memories and love. He loved being a dad. It wasn’t just a role. It was something he poured his whole self into.

I said this at the funeral, but I’ll say it again. Marc’s world was Drew. Always was. And if there’s one thing I want Drew to hold onto forever, it’s that his dad loved him beyond measure. There is no word that fully captures it. He was proud, amazed, and in awe of Drew every single day.

There are so many more stories I want to share with Drew, and I will, over time. But for now, I want him to know this. You were everything to your dad. And you are everything to me. We love you more than words can ever really say. And me, along with a whole community of people who loved your dad, will always be here to help you stay close to him.

I love you so much Drew and always will and will be here for you always and forever. 

Kiera