Ten years after losing his brother Raegan, @kidd_dad has found a way to keep his memory alive—not just for himself, but for the next generation. In a moving letter woven into a birthday video (which now has 1 Million views), he tells his brother, “The last you knew, I was starting to date, but luckily soon after, I met the woman of my dreams and had two children.”
Grief, for him, isn’t a private ache—it’s a living, breathing connection he shares with his family every day.
Carrying grief while parenting
Life moved forward. He graduated, moved away, earned his motorcycle endorsement—and still rides Raegan’s bike. Through each milestone, his brother’s presence lingers quietly beside him. Now a father of two, he shows that grief doesn’t pause for parenthood; instead, it becomes part of it.
Every year, his family gathers to sing “Happy Birthday” to Raegan, lighting candles on a cake that holds more memory than frosting.
Modeling emotional openness for his kids
His son, named after Raegan, is starting to ask questions: How did Uncle Raegan die? The father admits, “We haven’t quite figured out how to tell him yet,” but he makes sure his brother’s stories are never far away. “I take every opportunity I can to share stories about you and share your music with him. He’s a big fan, by the way.”
By being honest about love, loss, and remembrance, he is teaching his children that it’s okay to miss someone—and more importantly, that it’s okay to keep loving them out loud.
Related: How to help your child deal with the death of a loved one
Rituals that keep lost loved ones present
Through birthday cakes, family songs, motorcycle rides, and everyday storytelling, Raegan remains a vibrant part of family life. Small, steady rituals stitch his memory into the fabric of their home.
In a moment of humor stitched into the sadness, he tells his brother, “If you plan on making more music, let me know.” Then, softly, the voiceover closes: “I miss you every single day. Hope you write back.”
The power of storytelling and small acts of remembrance
Grief isn’t something that fades away. It changes form, becoming something tender we pass down—through stories, traditions, and simple acts of love. In lighting a birthday cake, riding an old motorcycle, and playing a favorite song, this father shows his children that those we love never truly leave us.
Even in the silence, even after ten years, love keeps writing its own reply.
Related: How to talk about death with kids: 8 tips to make the uncomfortable more manageable