🌲 Where my love for the wild came from (Rest in peace, Dad)

Taking a moment to honor my dad, Ron, and the roots of everything I do. On Wednesdays We Wear Scales 🦎💅 A midweek check-in from your favorite pink-haired reptile nurse. Hey, If you noticed my absence over the last couple of weeks, I appreciate your patience more than you know. Recently, my world came to a sudden, painful halt: my dad, Ron, passed away. I wanted to share this photo today because it captures the absolute foundation of who I am. That’s me bundled up like a little marshmallow, sitting on the ice right in front of my dad in his camo jacket. So much of my obsession with the natural world, he outdoor life, the deep respect for wildlife, the long days spent fishing, flipping logs, and chasing critters, came directly from him. Long before I ever put on a pair of scrubs or built a home full of reptiles and bugs, my dad was the one who introduced me to the quiet magic of the wild. Growing up with my dad meant learning how to see the world differently. It meant early mornings out on the water, learning patience, and developing a deep, instinctual love for the outdoors. He was a complex man, but his impact on my life and my path was profound. He taught me to appreciate the rugged beauty of nature and to never be afraid to get my hands dirty. Every time I step foot into the woods, cast a line, or marvel at a wild creature, I am carrying a piece of him with me. Taking time away from work, social media, and this newsletter to process his loss and celebrate his life was necessary. Grief doesn't follow a schedule, and learning to navigate the world without your dad is a heavy, quiet process. 💬 Thank You for the Space To everyone in this community who reaches out, reads these notes, and gives me the grace to be human: thank you. Having this space to share the real, unvarnished truth of life, both the vibrant joy of animals and the deep weight of loss, means the world to me. There are no product links or husbandry pitches today. Just a moment to hit pause, honor the man who helped raise my wild spirit, and hold my loved ones a little closer. MY WEBSITE Visit Our Socials Sweet Ave Pawtucket, RI 02861 View in browser You are getting this email because you've subscribed to sweetavezoo at beacons.ai/sweetavezoo. If you'd like to stop receiving these emails, you can unsubscribe from the list.