For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a daddy’s little girl. However, when I was 10, I lost my dad to lung cancer. Normal 10-year-olds usually don’t have to deal with losing a parent. At that age, I didn’t fully realize the effect it would have on my life. I wouldn’t be able to have daddy daughter dates, he wouldn’t see me graduate high school, get into college, graduate college, be able to meet my future husband, walk me down the aisle, dance with me at my wedding, or get to be a grandparent to my children. But, above all, I would never be able to talk to him again.
As I’ve grown over the years, I’ve learned many things about myself and I can thank my dad for that. Here’s what that is:
1. I am the way I am because of him
2. I’m very independent
I like being by myself and doing things by myself because that’s where I feel I do my best thinking and can really focus.
3. It’s okay to not be okay all the time
I have good days and bad days, just like everyone else. Not everyone can have it together at every point in their life, and I’m okay with that.
4. My dad will always be looking down on me and I’m sure is very proud of how far I’ve come
5. Talking to someone about how you feel can make a huge difference
Don’t hold everything in, sometimes it can make the situation worse.
6. Tell the ones you love when you love them
7. I rely on my mom more than ever
She plays both mother and father and I can’t thank her enough for the amazing job she’s done over the years.
8. Family is the most important thing to me
This is where I’m happiest and where the heart of my dad really is.
I know my dad would want me to live my life to its fullest extent. That’s why I choose not to let losing my dad define me. It’s definitely something that has changed my life forever and has given me a different outlook on life, but it’s made me stronger that I ever thought I could’ve been. I will continue to make my dad proud and live the legacy he left behind. Whether my dad is here or not, I know I will always be daddy’s little girl.