I’m not sure how many people know what Dear World is, I barely know what it is myself. That didn’t stop me from participating in it. What I understood about this organization is that it’s a way you can tell people what you’ve been through and things you’ve experienced through pictures of yourself with specific words written on your body.

I went to this event so I could get some closure and do something nice for my mom. Moms in general love pictures of their family, especially their children. So I knew that this would be something interesting to share with her.

The words that I chose to write on my skin were “loyal”, “caring”, “intelligent”.

Those words hold a very important meaning in my life because they described my father perfectly. He has been such a light and guide in my life. I honestly can say I’m not sure how I’ve been able to keep myself together these past 2 months. I know what has helped me though, I remember the good times and how much of an amazing role model he has been in my life. That instantly puts a smile on my face. I’ll tell you why.

Loyal: He put himself through the most ultimate sacrifice by not being able to see his family as often so he could provide for us and he could make us comfortably happy.

Caring: His effort to make all of his family happy was phenomenal. I was never disappointed by anything he did and I was always happy so I know he would be content with the mark he left on our lives.

Intelligent: He always thought long and hard about every decision he has ever made. This way he would make the right choice. He was a reader, so his vocabulary was intense.

Not until I showed my mom these pictures and gave an explanation about the words on my body, I didn’t know that I had these same characteristics. That is comforting to me that I have his legacy living through me now.