In Memory of Thomas

A Shared Bond and our Love of Dogs keeps Your Memory Alive

Over 22 years ago, I lost my beautiful father, Thomas Walter West Jr.

He succumbed to suicide and my life, forever changed.

I was the quintessential “ daddy’s girl.” My parents separated when I was only five years old and although extremely close with both my mom and dad, I lived  with my father.

We were very close, as he was my safe space in a childhood with a stepmother who preferred I didn’t exist. We were very close and did everything together.

As I got older, my father’s physical and mental health declined. There were so many scary moments, rushes to hospitals and close calls. Eventually, I convinced my dad to move six hours away and live with me.

I had a beautiful German Shepherd rescue dog that my dad absolutely fell in love with. His mental health strengthened, I truly believe at the paws of Shelby. She gave him hope and so much unconditional love.

That began the start of us, rescuing and rehoming many dogs together. Something we both loved and shared.

Tia Photography

In the 22 years since his passing, I have had eight dogs, and our latest is a beautiful, long haired King Shepherd. Willow is my first Shepherd since Shelby. She reminds me of my dad.

Losing anyone is hard. Losing a parent is hard. Losing your dad to suicide is devastation.

My dad was a wonderful person. He was smart, funny, passionate, creative, witty, a trickster, a master carpenter, a salesman, a businessman, a friend, and a great dad. If you knew him…you loved him!

But he suffered. He struggled. The outpouring of love, the numerous doctors, all the medication, the continuous check-in’s, the deep conversations around concern, and trust and promises… his illness was stronger.

We lost him. I lost him.

Time is a great healer. 22 years is a lifetime without your dad. There have been so many questions, so many things to update him on and tell him about. Grandchildren to meet, dogs to pet, pictures to catch him up on.But… if I had only one minute with him, none of these things are what I would use that time for.

If I could see my dad again, I would hug and hold him tight. Then…maybe a walk with Willow to chase squirrels!

Miss you daddy!