When losing a parent you miss out on many important moments. You lose the advice they could give you and you lose the moments during the Holidays. Since I lost my father I have learned a lot. I have learned how to be mature and independent, and I have become the person I am today because of past events in my life. They have shaped me, but still, everyday, there is always something I wish I could tell my dad.

1. "Well, there's this boy.."

I have always wished I could ask my dad guy for advice. As minuscule as it sounds, it's something most girls have the ability to do. I have always wanted my dad to meet the guy I like or see if he liked him. Having her dad walk her down the isle and introducing him to her boyfriend are important moments in a girl's life, but I will not experience that. I will not get to cry and ask my dad what went wrong in a relationship or hug him with joy when it all works out, but I know he is looking out for me from above.

2. "My day was good, How's home?"

I never realized how much I took calling him, asking him how he was or telling him about my day for granted. Now that I go to school so far from home, I miss those phone calls even more. Those phone calls from home make me smile while I'm so far away. My mom and sister are great, but there is always that missing person. It's the memories of him that make up for the moments.

3. "I love you and thank you."

You never realize that what you say might me the last thing the other person hears. I remember the last thing I said to my dad was "I love you" and "goodbye" over the phone, expecting to see him a few days later. I always think back, wishing I could've said more or that I could've just said how thankful I am for everything he’s done. I've learned to never end a conversation on a bad note because you never know what can happen. I wish I could tell my dad "I love you" every day and "thank you" for being the best father I could've asked for.

4. "I am so grateful for you."

Parents do so much for their children - more than we realize, and it is important to acknowledge that and say it to them. I am so grateful for all my dad did and for how hard he worked, always with a smile on his face. He would always make sure I was okay and he just wanted me to be happy. I wish I could say how grateful and thankful I am to have had him for as long as I did. But, it's important to recognize that he knows all of this because he is watching over me.

5. "You made me who I am today and I am so happy for that."

Parents influence how you grow and who you turn out to be. A father plays such an important role and acts as a role model. I have always wanted to be like my dad who was hardworking, dedicated, and resilient. I am happy with who I have become while following his lead and learning from his life. I am my own person but I always see my dad in me. I know that without his lessons I would not be where I am today, making him proud of me.

Losing a parent is hard, especially at such a young age. However, it shapes who you are and makes you feel grateful for all that you have. During the holiday season, think about those who have one parent or those who have lost someone. Give them some extra love as the holidays are hard no matter how wonderful their family makes them. Although this experience has shaped me into who I am today, there is always something I wish I could tell my dad and always a new story I wish he could hear. There is always a new story I know he'd be proud of.