UPDATE: A woman from Tipton, Missouri, has sparked an emotional online response after sharing a poignant discovery—her late father’s handprint embedded in a coffee table he crafted for her. The touching revelation comes just months after the unexpected loss of her father, Rodney Battles, who passed away on March 12, 2023, at just 49 years old.
Delayna Stover, who gave birth to her daughter just a month before her father’s cancer diagnosis, described the past year as a roller coaster of emotions. “I was at the hospital with my newborn every single day for six weeks with him,” Stover said. Her father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on February 5, and his rapid decline left a significant void in her life and the lives of her siblings, Emma Barnes and Brock Battles.
As Stover cleaned her home recently, she stumbled upon a remarkable memory of her father—a handprint left in the epoxy of the coffee table he built for her. “My dad had me so spoiled he made most of the furniture in my house,” she remarked. The handprint, a result of an accident while applying epoxy, had been overlooked until now. “Honestly, before his passing I didn’t really notice it as much,” she added.
This small yet powerful reminder of Battles has become a cherished symbol for Stover. “I told him I wanted a coffee table so he made a super cool one with an American flag in it,” she explained. The emotional weight of the handprint brought a bittersweet feeling, leading her to share the image on TikTok under the handle @Delaynastover. The post has since gone viral, garnering over 240,000 views as of now.
“I just stand there and stare at it for a little bit when it shines,” Stover said, explaining how the light highlights the handprint. This moment of reflection not only serves as a reminder of her father’s adventurous spirit—one that included starting the local Septemberfest festival—but also illustrates the profound impact he had on his community.
The festival returned just last weekend, with the mayor of Tipton honoring Battles for his contributions to the town. A special 5K fundraiser was held in his memory, showcasing the love and support from those who knew him. “He touched so many lives in his short time and did so many amazing things,” Stover expressed.
Losing a parent is a traumatic experience, and the emotional journey can be exacerbated when that loss occurs due to cancer. Research has shown that nearly 32.7 percent of relatives who lose a family member to cancer experience prolonged grief symptoms, highlighting the significance of Stover’s discovery.
As Delayna Stover continues to navigate her grief, her father’s handprint serves as a tangible connection to the love and joy he brought into her life. “I am so thankful he didn’t sand it down,” she concluded, reflecting on the lasting legacy her father has left behind.
This heartfelt story resonates deeply, reminding us all of the enduring bonds we share with our loved ones, even after they are gone.