When people hear you say that your father passed away before you could ever remember they instantly feel sorry for you, but you don't really know how to react or feel. The only memories you have are from what your family or family friends have told you. It's not that you aren't upset that he is gone it's the fact that you didn't get that relationship with him or opportunity to personally get to know your own father.
It doesn't really kick in until you are older that you'll never get that idea father daughter or son relationship. You'll never get to play catch with him. You'll never be able to be called a daddy's boy or girl. You'll never get to experience a father daughter dance. You'll never get to have him walk you down the isle when you get married. You'll never get the opportunity to do a lot of things most people get to do.
Then one night it all kicks in and you realize all of this and you just hurt. You just wish that he could have lived a little bit longer so you could talk to him and tell him about your day, ask for advice about a girl, have him comfort you in a way your mother can't, or to even cherish the moments that you hear your family talking about. It's not easy and it gets harder everyday. Then as you grow up its hard to know he didn't get to be there on your first day of school, prom day, for your first girlfriend or boyfriend, your first breakup, graduation day, move in day of college, and so on.
Sometimes you feel as if you are alone, even if you have family all around you. You say to yourself... Why did this happen to me? Why did he have to go so early? What you have to realize is that everything happens for a reason. This teaches you to see things in a completely different perspective than people who do get the wonderful opportunity of knowing their father. It makes you a stronger person. It really helps you to understand that saying you hear all the time about cherishing the people you have before it's too late. You understand it so much better because life is full of unexpected situations and you never know when it'll be your last time talking to a loved one.
Lastly, it gives a whole other level of respect to our mothers. If anyone is strong, it is her. She raised you on her own knowing that life wouldn't be easy for you. You walk through life together being strong for one another. You both share a type of hurt that nobody really understands. She lost her soulmate and you lost your father. Be thankful for her and realize she hurts just as bad as you do, if not worse.
No matter what just know that you aren't the only one. Know that your father is proud of you and your accomplishments. Know that he loved you and if he could have lived longer he would have. Life is too short, be thankful and cherish the little moments in life with the people you love.
