David Montano

Sarah Montano 64w

A Letter For My Late Husband

Dear Dave, I’m sitting right next to you as I write this. It’s been two years since my last post—and now, somehow, five years since you left. Time is strange. The days crawl, the weeks fly, and the months blur until another year has passed. But through it all, my love for you has never changed. If anything, it's deepened. I’m less angry now, and more reflective—grateful for everything you gave me, and everything you taught me. Our son keeps your memory alive every day. He’s a bright spark of laughter, just like you—full of life, a little daredevil with a huge heart and a fierce sense of protection for me. He lights up every room he enters. He is beautiful. I am so blessed to have him. Even after all this time, grief still hits hard. It's no longer constant, but it's always there. Time heals, yes—but it’s also cruel. It moves forward without you in it. I still talk to you—sometimes out loud, but mostly in my head. And I know you hear me. Thank you for the signs. They've carried me more than you know. I'm learning to live in the moment, to focus on what truly matters. I choose my battles more wisely now. I know how quickly life can change. You’ve made me stronger. I’ll keep looking to you—for guidance as I raise our son, in the relationships I build, and even in the quiet, everyday moments. I will forever miss you. My heart is open. Love you always, Sarah

Sarah Montano 173w

DJM

An open letter to my late husband, How will it be three years in August that you have been gone? I could talk about all of the things you are missing from this life but we both know that wont do either of us any good. Plus, you already know this. At this point, I am living off memories of you. I only have pictures to look back on. Or seeing our friends' faces light up when they reminisce on a happy time. Sometimes, I can still hear the sound of your voice if I close my eyes tight enough… How can grief be so cruel, yet hold moments of beauty? I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve shut myself off. I’ve been angry-so angry. I have accepted your death and have forgiven myself and you. I’ve learned what I am capable of and have seen what grief can open up in others. Each day is different. Some days are slow, some days I find myself not wanting to get out of the shower, and some days end just as fast as they started. The thought about writing a tribute to you, the man I thought I was going to be spending the rest of my life with, is gut wrenching. It is just one more thing that confirms my reality that you are no longer here. The more I think about a tribute all I can think about is; how not writing something for you won't do your memory any justice either. People need to know how amazing you were and how much joy and light you gave others while you were here with us. And it starts with me. Thank you for giving me eight wonderful years of your life. You taught me how to love and what love meant. You were always kind and giving. You introduced me to your family who took me in as their third daughter. We made a beautiful life together. Starting with our first dog, Lucy, and then getting her a sibling, Brody. We started building memories in our first house together and enjoying all of the ups and downs of being a new homeowner. Three years into our new home you gave me the best gift that I have ever received; our son. He has filled so much of the void you have left. His laughter is contagious. Boy, does he have your spunk and when it comes to play-he has no fear. He will jump from any height and not question his landing. He is a picky eater like you. He’s a good cuddler. And he loves being silly. I see so much of you in him. Thank you for showing me this love so I can continue to give it to our son. I will show him how to take risks. I will show him how to be brave. I will show him how to be strong. I will show him how to be adventurous. I will show him how to be thoughtful. I will be there for him in every way you were there for me. I will teach him he can do anything. I will do this because our son will always be a part of you and when you passed you left a part of yourself with me. It is with your courage I have been able to come this far and be the mother that I need to be for our son. I will tell him your love for life was unwavering and you would do anything for a friend in need. I will tell him how passionate you were about cooking, music, snowboarding, skateboarding, golf, and disc golf. I will tell him how much you loved going out to be social just as much as you loved being lazy at home. We built a love that created so much happiness and a foundation for our son and I to grow from. It is with tears of love that I write this letter to you. I hope that whoever is reading this letter can see from these words and pictures how amazing you were and how much joy and comfort you gave others when they were around you. Your memories are forever captured in time but my love for you will be never ending. Thank you. Until my next letter… Love you forever and always, Your Wife