Mia Maine Back in my open-mic, spoken word days, I was asked to perform as the featured poet at Java Monkey. I'd told Dad about it. He couldn't make it but he wanted a friend to come in his absence. As I was gearing up to go on, I was incredibly nervous and a bit sad as none of my family was in attendance. Behind me, I heard the soft click of heels on concrete. Turning, I see Dad and Val. They flew down from Jersey to see me perform. My nervousness dissipated. He was there and somehow I knew that I could do it. That everything would be okay and it was.

Mia Maine My wedding day. He walked me around the kitchen instead of down the aisle but he was proud nonetheless and I was honored all the more.

Mia Maine Daddy playing Beat Saber.

Mia Maine Pappadeux in Duluth, GA. So blessed to have spent his last birthday together.