The widow of Jaryd Dawson, brother of AFL star Jordan, has paid a gut-wrenching Father’s Day tribute grieving what was lost with his death earlier this year.
Jaryd died in April just months after the birth of his first child with wife Jessica.
Jessica on Sunday shared a gallery of photos and videos of Jaryd with baby boy Hudson, who turns one later this month, alongside a message to her late husband.
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“Today should have been your first Father’s Day,” Jessica wrote.
“I should have written you a card, with Hudson’s hand print traced, reminding you of the incredible dad you are.
“I should’ve brought you coffee in bed while you cuddled our little man, and attempted to cook scrambled eggs as good as you.
“I should’ve taken you out to lunch to celebrate the amazing man we are so lucky to call ours and made you feel so special like you deserve.
“We should be creating special family memories as we near one year of parenthood together.
“Instead, today was a very cruel reminder of what we’re missing out on. All you ever wanted was to be a dad. It will never be fair. We miss you so much.”
Jessica had previously shared the last photos of Jaryd and Hudson, and herself and Jaryd, after his death.
“The last photo I took of my two boys, just two days prior,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I was feeling so incredibly rich in life. Now my heart is shattered into a million pieces. Huddy and I will love you and miss you forever and ever and ever.”
Jessica’s brother-in-law Jordan has endured his grief in the public spotlight as captain of the Adelaide Crows, conceding two weeks ago it had been “a struggle”.
He sat out multiple games in the wake of Jaryd’s death but has led the Crows into the semi-finals.
“It’s not easy, it’s a range of emotions, and they come at different times,” Jordan said after being named All-Australian vice-captain, as well as being named the most courageous player by his peers.
“For me it was about creating a safe place within the footy club, within home, and understanding that there’s going to be times when I struggle come into work.”
Dawson, who attended the AFL awards night with his father Tony, said he had received “awesome” support from Adelaide, as well as from his extended family.
Jaryd Dawson and his wife Jessica, left, with Jordan Dawson and his wife Milly. Credit: Instagram
He said he has regular check-ins with those close to him.
“It’s still pretty raw, to be honest … it’s always going to be hard to talk about,” Dawson said.
“I’m just so fortunate I’ve got such great support around me in the footy club and also my loving family and my wife’s family.
“I definitely wouldn’t be here without them.”
The Crows skipper used his most courageous player award acceptance speech to deliver a message of support to others struggling with mental health issues as he – and his father – choked back tears.
“The mental health space is something that’s pretty new and pretty raw to me at the moment but it’s definitely something that I want to learn a bit more about,” Dawson said.
“I just want to wish anyone who’s struggling with mental health to know that you are definitely loved and the world is a better place with you in it.
“You are enough, and we all love you, and you have beautiful family and friends around you.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust
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