in memory of

AJ Breaux

50

by Melissa Tardo, Tanya Guidry, Monica Larpenter

Bayou Blue, Louisiana
Our dad disappeared on August 28, 1991. He attended an AA meeting at the Easy Does It Club, locked up around 10 p.m., stopped at a convenience store, and was never seen again.

Connection

We are his daughters.

Memories

Melissa Tardo: When my daughter was born, he held her and told me it felt like just yesterday he was holding me as a baby.

Monica Larpenter: He loved cooking, especially shrimp wrapped in bacon, and I remember preparing food with him and enjoying his laughter and smile.

Tanya Guidry: I remember his beautiful smile, infectious laughter, humor and the personalized messages he wrote in cards.

Reminders

Melissa Tardo: The song “Wind Beneath My Wings” reminds me of him and feels like a connection when I hear it.

Monica Larpenter: Seeing his picture, his “Don’t Quit” plaque, and using a coffee cup with the Serenity Prayer reminds me of him daily.

Tanya Guidry: His birthday, Father’s Day, the anniversary of his disappearance, watching true crime shows we used to watch together, and sayings like “let go and let God” remind me of him.

Wish I could say

Melissa Tardo: I would hug and kiss him, tell him I love him, and thank him for being the wind beneath my wings.

Monica Larpenter: I would tell him I love him and thank him for raising strong daughters and teaching us not to quit.

Tanya Guidry: I would thank him for the life lessons he taught us, including kindness, helping others, and being selfless.