Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A Tribute to Mont Gardner – My Hero, My Heart
Happy Birthday, Daddy.
Today, I celebrate you with all the love in my soul. And I mourn you with all the ache in my heart.
You were taken too young, only 29 years old, but the fire you lit in this world still burns.
My heart aches… still.
I yearn for you, Daddy.
You were a Revolutionary. A brilliant, bold Black man, fearless and visionary, getting your Master’s degree while making sure your family never went without. You took care of us…by any means necessary!!! You moved with purpose, with power, with force, and with so much heart. You didn’t bow to anyone. Much respect! You stood tall, unshakable, unwavering. They feared you…not because you were angry, but because you were awake and conscious.
When I felt like giving up, you’d tell me, “Push, Meleika! Push!!!” And I still hear that. Every time life gets heavy, every time the world tries to knock me down. I hear you. And I push.
I was so excited the last time I saw you walk up the street to my building. I ran down those stairs like my heart was flying. I burst through that door just to leap into your arms. That moment was joy. That moment was love. We had just spoken the night before, planning our Christmas together. I was looking forward to it. Looking forward to you.
But you never made it back.
I sat in the window looking up at the moon, waiting for you. Wanting you.
Still do.
I was devastated when you were killed. I don’t believe I ever recovered...still. The pain changed me. Because you weren’t just my father. My last words to you,”I love you, Daddy.” I was nine years old. I had no idea that would be our last conversation. A hole in my soul that aches and bleeds!
You were my world.
My protector.
My hero.
My heart.
You taught me to fight. You taught me to never bow down. You taught me to love. You didn’t just raise a daughter…you raised a force.
And I carry you with me in everything I do.
Happy Birthday, Daddy.
I miss you beyond words.
I love you beyond life.
And I promise, I will always make you proud.
#DaddysGirl
#MontGardner
#HappyBirthdayDaddy
#RevolutionaryBlood
#PushMeleikaPush
#MyHeartStillAches
#meleikagardner
A Tribute to Mont Gardner – My Hero, My Heart
Happy Birthday, Daddy.
Today, I celebrate you with all the love in my soul. And I mourn you with all the ache in my heart.
You were taken too young, only 29 years old, but the fire you lit in this world still burns.
My heart aches… still.
I yearn for you, Daddy.
You were a Revolutionary. A brilliant, bold Black man, fearless and visionary, getting your Master’s degree while making sure your family never went without. You took care of us…by any means necessary!!! You moved with purpose, with power, with force, and with so much heart. You didn’t bow to anyone. Much respect! You stood tall, unshakable, unwavering. They feared you…not because you were angry, but because you were awake and conscious.
When I felt like giving up, you’d tell me, “Push, Meleika! Push!!!” And I still hear that. Every time life gets heavy, every time the world tries to knock me down. I hear you. And I push.
I was so excited the last time I saw you walk up the street to my building. I ran down those stairs like my heart was flying. I burst through that door just to leap into your arms. That moment was joy. That moment was love. We had just spoken the night before, planning our Christmas together. I was looking forward to it. Looking forward to you.
But you never made it back.
I sat in the window looking up at the moon, waiting for you. Wanting you.
Still do.
I was devastated when you were killed. I don’t believe I ever recovered...still. The pain changed me. Because you weren’t just my father. My last words to you,”I love you, Daddy.” I was nine years old. I had no idea that would be our last conversation. A hole in my soul that aches and bleeds!
You were my world.
My protector.
My hero.
My heart.
You taught me to fight. You taught me to never bow down. You taught me to love. You didn’t just raise a daughter…you raised a force.
And I carry you with me in everything I do.
Happy Birthday, Daddy.
I miss you beyond words.
I love you beyond life.
And I promise, I will always make you proud.
#DaddysGirl
#MontGardner
#HappyBirthdayDaddy
#RevolutionaryBlood
#PushMeleikaPush
#MyHeartStillAches
#meleikagardner
