Life Goes On: A Tribute to My Dad and Celebrating My Daughters' Achievements

The holiday season brings a mix of emotions for me. Two years ago, just a week before Christmas, I lost my dad. Since then, I’ve gained a deep empathy for everyone who finds the holidays bittersweet—a time of joy shadowed by the ache of missing someone special.

This year, the season started on a somewhat melancholy note as I reflected on my dad’s absence. But life has an incredible way of lifting you when you need it most. And boy, did it deliver this past weekend.

Our oldest daughter, Samantha, was admitted to her top-choice school, Middlebury College in Vermont, through Early Decision. This milestone is a testament to her lifetime of hard work, perseverance, and focus. Not only will she be attending a fantastic school, but she'll also be running track there—a dream she's chased and achieved. They are fortunate to have her and so is our Environment. Sam plans to fix it. Middlebury holds the distinction of being the nation's oldest undergraduate program in Environmental Studies. Oh and they have their own ski mountain, a deal sealer for sure.

As if the joy in our house wasn’t already at a peak, her younger sister, Kai, added her own chapter to this incredible weekend. Wrestling at the Pottstown Invitational, the inaugural all-girls Strath Haven wrestling team showed up in force and represented their history-making debut well. Congrats to all the girls that competed. Kai stormed through her matches with grit and determination. She pinned, won by major decision, and pinned again to take the top spot in her weight class. Kai’s triumph was even more special given the undercurrent of emotion she's navigating. Knowing her sister will leave for college in just eight months is a tough reality for her to process. She’s quite sad. She channeled all of that into the wrestling mat this weekend, and we couldn’t be prouder.

As we watched it all unfold—the college acceptance, the wrestling victories—I couldn’t help but think of my dad. He would have been flying high alongside us, beaming with pride at Samantha’s academic and athletic achievements, cheering her on for making her Middlebury dream a reality. And I know he would have been right by my side at the wrestling tournament, marveling at Kai’s strength and resilience.

The day was overwhelming in the best way possible—a swirl of happiness, anxiety, and sadness. It was one of those days that reminds you how life keeps moving forward, even as you carry your losses with you. My dad was not physically there, but his presence was undeniable. I know he would be as proud as I am of these two remarkable kids.

To everyone navigating the holiday season with a mix of joy and heartache, you’re not alone. Life goes on, and with it come moments of profound pride and gratitude that keep our loved ones close, even when they’re no longer here.

This proud dad misses his own dad deeply but is endlessly grateful for the gifts of this weekend—a reminder of how life’s highs can carry us through its lows.

About the Author – Dane Czaplicki, CFA®

Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.

Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.

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