I’m trying to keep my Daddy’s memories alive

After Dad passed, the house felt too quiet, too still. His clothes were still hanging where he left them, folded the same way, smelling faintly of his cologne. I couldn’t bring myself to give them away, especially the oversized t-shirts. He lived in them, soft cotton, worn edges, each one a different memory. My brother suggested we split them, but honestly, he was barely around. These shirts were pieces of my everyday life with my Dad. So I made a decision: I’m keeping them. But I also want to breathe life into them again, something new, something mine. I’ve seen people DIY old tees into cropped tops, adding a bit of dye, maybe some crystals or embroidery. I’m not the craftiest person, but I want to try. Should I go with tie-dye for that dreamy, artsy vibe, or maybe rhinestones around the hem, something subtle but radiant? I’ve been scrolling through Alibaba and Pinterest like a madwoman, looking at fabric paints, iron-on gems, and tutorials that make it look way easier than it probably is. Still, it feels right. If I can turn even one oversized t-shirt into something beautiful, maybe it’ll hurt a little less. Maybe it’s my way of keeping him close, but moving forward, too.