I want to thank God for blessing me with the strength and courage to endure and the compassion to move forward. I want to thank my mother for always being there for me through thick and thin and standing behind me wholeheartedly during this tragedy.
My girlfriend, Ali, was by my side through all of my depression, anxiety, nightmares, and battle with PTSD. Kevin, Kody, Seth, Wilbur, Michael, Mitch, and Bryan, all of you, thank you for being a shoulder to lean on and a rock to keep me stable.
There are so many others: The families of my brothers have given me amazing support and have stood with me since the beginning; your approval has meant the world to me. The counselors who showed me there was hope when I was hopeless. My newfound family and friends who helped guide me through this tragedy and donated so much more than just money to assist my brothers’ families and me. The nonprofits that helped those of us in the deepest pain. The public service men and women who made my brothers’ memorials and funerals everything we could have asked for. My brothers out there on the fire line, who kick ass and save lives time and time again. The community and nation that made sure my brothers are remembered as heroes—and who refuse to forget those men and women who serve every day.
My deepest thanks to my brothers. The lessons and sacrifices you made will never be forgotten. May I continue to carry on your legacy, though I know my time is borrowed and short.
Most important, thank you to my daughter, Michaela. You’re not old enough to read this, but one day you will and you will know what a true angel you have been for your daddy since the day you were born. You continue to keep my feet firmly planted and remind me what God has in store for me.