I lost my father, Kent Charpentier, this past year at the age of 68 due to early onset Alzheimer’s. My dad was a very physically active, healthy and friendly man before this awful disease overtook him. He lived life to the fullest and loved his family unconditionally. His last breaths on this earth were on Christmas Day. At first, I was thinking why did he have to go on Christmas, our favorite day of the year? We quickly realized that it was better that it happened on Christmas because our family was already all together to console each other and reflect on his life. My seven year old daughter, Nora, said he hangs out with Jesus a lot because he went up to heaven on Jesus’s birthday to celebrate with him.  

We both loved going on walks and adventurous hikes with our dog. Nowadays, I feel closest to my dad when I am walking my dog. Thankfully, my kids have started to walk with me more often even in the evening when the stars are out.  My daughter says he is a new star in the sky looking down on us as our angel. I do look to him as my angel up in heaven especially on this All Saints Day. Miss you Dad.

– Noelle Destrampe