In the post, Danielle included a touching photograph of herself with Papa John, her husband Jeremy, and other family members sitting together on a front porch. She described how Papa John died suddenly after the wedding, highlighting the deep bond she shared with him.
A Heartfelt Tribute
In her moving letter to Papa John, Danielle expressed profound gratitude for his impact on her life:
“Papa John… you spent your life fighting for and making miracles happen for the most vulnerable kids in your community,” she wrote. “When I met you for the first time, you and your elves had turned an airplane hangar into the North Pole to make a little girl with cancer’s dream come true. You gave her happiness, hope, and peace. Like the one you gave us.”
Danielle reminisced about the support Papa John provided her, even when others doubted her:
“You’ve always been there for me and believed in me even when I didn’t. I believe in myself too. Maybe some people around you didn’t believe that I was good, but you did. I felt safe in your arms, and you let me open up to you,” she continued.
She went on to describe the impact Papa John had on her life, particularly during the holidays:
“You loved and cared so much all the time. As someone who didn’t grow up with holidays, especially Christmas, you helped me understand them in a new way. You never saw these events as chances for yourself to gain something. Instead, you saw them as chances for other people to gain from your love, acceptance, and kindness.”
“Some of my favorite memories are with you, your family, and your son Jeremy, who is so much like you in so many ways. Thank you so much for that. Without you there, it was hard to move forward with the wedding. We cried a lot because little things would make us think of you.”
A New Chapter Together
Danielle and Jeremy’s wedding marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. After six years together and nearly four years of engagement, they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Puerto Rico. Despite the joy of their union, the couple now faces the challenge of navigating this profound loss while honoring the legacy of Papa John.
Their love story and resilience in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the strength of their bond and the cherished memories they will carry forward with them.