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Taylor Odlozil is embracing the highs and lows of life as a single father.
In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, the 33-year-old creator opened up about navigating life as a widower while raising son Weston, 6, after his wife, Haley, died of ovarian cancer back on July 14, 2023, at 30 years old.
Taylor acknowledges the struggles that come with his unique parenting journey, but also the importance of getting it right.
“As a single dad, I’m in charge of everything,” he tells PEOPLE. “I’m the mom and the dad, and managing the house, cleaning the house, lawn work, scheduling Weston’s events, taking him to his games, picking him up from school, dropping him off at school, cooking, lunch making, all of it, on top of working.”
While it can feel overwhelming at times, Taylor knows it’s important to strike a balance. “I’ve had to learn, I have to be a mom too. I’ve got to be that compassionate side that moms are very good at. It’s been a challenge because I’m trying to help him through his grief and also my own grief, but he’s been very resilient.”
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The proud dad continues, “He’s an incredible kid, and he might help me more with my grief than he thinks he does. He is very in tune with his emotions and can pick up when I’m struggling and will just come over and give me a hug when he can tell I need it.”
Father and son talk about Haley every day and bring her spirit into all of their adventures together.
“We always talk about her, every day. She was an amazing person, so it’s so easy to talk about her. Tradition-wise, we always have the celebration of her life. We always celebrate Mother’s Day for her. We celebrate her birthday. We do those little special things to keep her memory alive. I think all of us, our greatest fear is being forgotten, and I swore to her that I wouldn’t let that happen.”
Taylor also keeps some of his wife’s wise words close as he navigates the highs and lows of his life today.
“One is love. Tell the people you love them now; don’t wait. Don’t wait until their funeral to talk about what you love most about them. Tell them now. Life is about love,” he says.
“And stop fretting over things that don’t matter,” he continues. “Just take a breath and realize that life is beautiful and there is a lot of great things going on every second of the day, and don’t be so consumed with what’s coming down the road. Be present and be where your feet are.”
The family plans to remember Haley by gathering at her favorite place, their lake house.
“All our friends and family come in and we just have a lake house day. TNT Fireworks actually offered to get us fireworks for the 4th of July, and I asked if I could use them for Haley’s celebration of life and they were all for it. So we’re going to have a little fireworks show and just reminisce with great memories and keep her memory alive.”
In documenting his experience and continuing to raise awareness for ovarian cancer through Haley’s story, Taylor has developed an online community that he’s immensely grateful for as well.
“I just want to thank everyone that has followed along the journey. It’s meant the world to me and it touches my heart every day that so many people are affected by the story. And I feel so blessed that I get to make videos and tell the story and share it, and help brighten people’s days. It means a lot to me, and I’m just so grateful for my following. I love them and I’m just so blessed to have them.”
