Father's Day is a day dedicated to celebrating dads, usually consisting of a barbecue or brunch and cheesy Hallmark cards. For me, this day is yet another reminder that I no longer have a dad.

This year will be the seventh one without him and, though it doesn't get easier, my perspective on the situation has changed. Those feelings of sadness and emptiness may never subside, but that is natural. I used to take the dreaded day as another excuse to hole up in my bedroom and sulk. Don't get me wrong, I do feel the urge to do so. I mean, let's be honest, what teenager wouldn't take the opportunity to sleep the day away?

In the past six years, I have matured, and I now know that what is ideal is not good for me in the long run. Just because my dad isn't here physically, doesn't mean he can't be appreciated. Last year, I began treating the day as a way to remember my dad and how truly amazing he was. My dad was, and always will be, so special to me. I know he loved me and wanted me to be happy, so I have chosen to honor him by doing so.

I like to take the day to reflect on the 10 years we spent together and all the fun times we shared. If the weather cooperates, I'll go visit the cemetery with my mom and brother. We talk about my dad and share memories or look through old family photos. This doesn't make me any less sad, but it is definitely a much better way of keeping his memory alive. If anything, talking about my dad makes the waterworks go into full gear.

Now, I know for a fact that I'm not the only one out there who dreads the daunting prospect of Father's Day for it being an indication that their dad is no longer with them. So, I encourage anyone who has lost their father to also treat Father's Day as a chance to honor their memory. Losing a parent is always difficult, and it doesn't get much easier to handle. There are plenty of days in the year to mope around and be miserable, but Father's Day should not count as one. After all, the day is intended to be a happy celebration of their dedication, questionable parenting tactics, and their classic, age-old dad jokes.