When God Fills the Space Loss Leaves Behind

“Nothing seems more appropriate than to have your father there holding your hand and helping to point the way, but sometimes God removes that support so that we can be totally dependent on Him.” – Grandpa ❤️✨

I recently came across a letter my grandfather wrote to me right before I went to college, and this portion stood out to me the most. Reading his words stirred memories, emotions, and reflections I didn’t even realize I was still processing.

I think of my father often — our similarities, our laughter, and the moments that made me his baby girl. Sometimes I wonder what advice he would give me now, as a woman navigating life without his physical presence. In those moments of missing him, I pause to acknowledge what I’m feeling and allow myself to feel it fully. Then I return to the truth: I had a good father — one who loved and cared for me deeply, who gave me beautiful memories, and who loved me enough to intentionally ask specific men to look out for me if anything were ever to happen to him. He was my protector, my provider, my comforter — and he loved me with a passion that everyone could see.

There are moments when I wonder if I will ever experience that kind of love again, almost forgetting the most important truth; that God is a Father to the Fatherless and the fierce love he had for me was a love that he received from God. The love my daddy poured into me was a reflection of the love my Heavenly Father has always had for me. I have never been abandoned, and I haven’t truly lost anything — God’s fierce and faithful love for me (and for you) has always been present and always will be. It will never leave.

Even in those moments of wondering, I see God’s hand so clearly. I am deeply grateful for how He has intentionally placed strong, loving male figures in my life — people who do their best to show up in the ways my daddy would have. And beyond all of that, I am most grateful that God Himself has been the greatest Father I could have ever asked for.

Grief has a way of reminding us of what we’ve lost, but it also reveals what remains. I cherish the memories — the good belly laughs, the joy, the love. They remind me that what we shared was real, beautiful, and worth missing.

If you have ever lost someone close to you, I know how deeply it can hurt. Grief is not linear, and healing does not come from rushing through the pain. Give yourself grace and time. Feeling leads to healing.

Even in the midst of loss, God is never caught by surprise. Through Christ, we have access to peace, hope, comfort, and even joy while grieving. God remains present in the pain and faithful in the process.

Scripture reminds us that when we ask, seek, and knock, God responds (Matthew 7:7–11). He can be the very thing you feel is missing, and He will never leave you. You can trust Him with every circumstance, knowing He is working everything together for your good and for His glory.

If my father had not passed on, my mother and I would have never moved to Nashville, TN — and that move changed my life for the better in ways I could have never imagined. God saw the bigger picture even when I couldn’t. So be encouraged: He sees, He knows, He cares, and He is with you.

To my readers who still have one or both parents in their lives — cherish, respect, honor, and love them. Don’t take the time, the calls, or the moments for granted. These are the sweet moments you can never get back.

To my favorite guy in heaven, O.G.P Senior — you will forever hold a special place in my heart and live on in my memories. I look forward to seeing you again, giving big bear hugs and smooches, and cracking up at your jokes and funny stories one day. Until then, may the Parke legacy continue. 😎🏃🏾‍♀️✨

Rest in Heaven ❤️🙏🏾

#AbideandRide 🦋🚗