I am devastated to share that my birth father (B'pa) suddenly and unexpectedly passed away this month. Over the past two years since finding each other, we have not only connected deeply, but he also became vegan, celebrated his one-year "Veganniversary" in May of this year, veganized several favorite family recipes (such as Grandma's famous cookies and meatball subs), attended the Fancy Food Show and Natural Products Expo West with me and Toni to scope out the latest and greatest vegan products, started a vegan Instagram account called @EmpowerVegans, began working with me on WorldofVegan.com, recipe tested for my upcoming vegan cookbook with Toni, jumped out of an airplane representing farmed animals, and so much more. I put this video together to remember and celebrate the time we shared together and all that B'pa has done to create a more conscious and compassionate world. Please remember to hold your loved ones close as life truly is a gift. ♡ Michelle * My Adoption & Birth Father Reunion Story: https://michellecehn.com/adoption * Plant-Powered People Podcast Episode: https://plantbasedmealplan.com/ep-21 * B'pa's Vegan Recipes: https://worldofvegan.com/author/greg-hicks * Full skydiving video with b'pa and my brother: https://youtu.be/Slw3MJkXeks ____ About Greg Hicks Greg is a wellness advocate and longtime promoter of health and nutrition. Recently breaking free from the beliefs instilled through his life that dairy and meats were part of balanced eating, he has made the headfirst leap into a plant-based lifestyle. He is now actively empowering others with resources to embrace plant-based living for health and sustainability. ____ A NOTE TO YOU, B'PA ♡ B'pa, I've never in my life felt more deeply and soulfully connected to another human being. You are so much more than my b'pa. You quickly became my partner in life, in work, in learning, in adventures, in being kind (and a little bit crazy), in always finding the good, in making the most of every moment, in bettering ourselves (and our world), in our morning routines, in cooking, in running, in driving, in walking Chance, in being productive, and in doing nothing at all. There was not a moment wasted since finding each other and no opportunities were missed to seize the day, make each other smile, and share love. In exploring the depths of our way-too-similar brains, our dreams, our goals, our fears, our struggles, our weaknesses, and all the parts of our lives, we both got the greatest gift—being deeply and completely known. Before we ever met I was a piece of you, but now you have become woven and embedded in all the pieces of me. Thank you for always being there, believing in me, guiding me, being my greatest advocate, and giving me the courage to believe I can get through anything, achieve anything, and even become a mom. It's all going to be so much harder without you by my side, but I will cling onto the strength you've given me always. My heart cracks a little bit every time I look down at my belly and feel your little grandson Tigger-bouncing inside of me, although I'm sure you'd say those cracks will only let more light in. I can't wait to discover all the little pieces of you in him. To the moon and back, through all the stars and galaxies, I love you forever. I know sleep never came easy, but now you can rest peacefully, my soul mate, and I will do my best to keep living life to the fullest and making people smile for you. ♾Me'da P.S. Your grandson isn't even born yet and you've already taken him skydiving. Of course.