We all have wishes in life. Some of us wish for money or to become rich and famous and others wish for a successful career and to find their soul mate who they will spend the rest of their life with. But who wouldn’t want those things to happen to them? All of us have different wishes but what most have in common is that they relate to material objects or things that we don’t necessarily need but that we want.

My wish, on the other hand, is a unique one. I don’t wish for anything of material value I wish that someone special would come back to me. Someone who I lost when I was very young. Someone that I miss every single day that I wake up and go to bed. That person is my Baba (Greek for dad).

I usually don’t tell people this story because I don’t want them to feel sorry for me or think I want pity for my father dying at a young age. But, I am rather telling you this story because I’m sure many of you can relate to my experience. Many of you have probably lost someone important in your life but when you lose a parent your life changes forever.

I remember the story like it was yesterday. I was eight years old when my father died. He had been gone for a few days and was headed back home. He had called me earlier that day to tell me he would see me later on that night, I went to bed and woke up to a nightmare. I remember looking at my clock and noticing I had gotten up late for school so I went downstairs to see what was wrong. Now, remember I was eight years old. When I walked down the steps my mom and grandma were in the chair. My mom was in tears. I asked her what was wrong and she told me to sit down. She told me that last night around midnight the police had come to our door to tell her my dad had been in a fatal car accident.

From that moment, on my life had changed forever. I did not understand why God would have that happen to me. I never even got to tell him bye or a last I love you. My dad was a well respected and loved man. He was one of those guys that would do anything for you and that was very clear at his funeral. The church was filled; there were no seats left and people were standing up in the back. Even though such a tragedy had occurred all I can say is that everyone came together for my Baba’s funeral and to support not only my mom and I but also my whole family.

This devastating event has changed my life forever and I’m sure if it happened to you it has changed your life forever too. After this occurred I went to counseling for months because since I was so young I did not know how to handle the sorrow in my life. All I can say is this event made me stronger and I am sure that anyone that has lost anyone in their life can say the same thing. I now understand, since I am older, that God gives us these obstacles so we can overcome them and fight through the pain.

With prayer and constant belief in God this event has made me not only a stronger person but someone who is more confident and independent in themselves. My mom has been there with me through every step of the way and she has not only become my mom but also my best friend. It took me awhile to get over the fact that my dad had died but in the long run it showed me who my true friends and family were. They were those people that helped my mom and I through the pain.

My dad may no longer be here on earth but he is alway in my heart. Don’t get me wrong I wish he was there for all my birthdays and dances at school and for my graduation and first day as a real adult in college. I even wish sometimes that he could come back on earth so he can walk me down the aisle in the future and to see my first child. But, even though he wasn’t there for past events and he won’t be there for future events I know that he is always watching over me. He will be there in spirit.

Sometimes I feel as though I can sense his presence. Never a day goes by that I don’t wake up or go to bed without praying to him or thinking of him and wishing that he was still on this earth. Sometimes I wish it was all a dream and that I would wake up one day to my dad being there by my side but I know I am kidding myself. Reality is, my dad is gone forever.

Now, that is my story. I am telling you all this because I never want any of you to take life for granted or to regret any decisions in life that you make. I don’t want you to tell your parents or any of your loved ones that you dislike or hate them because you never know when their time will be up. Even when you get mad, don’t say a word just walk away.

I know it may be hard to resist, but let me tell you something if something tragic would happen to them in the next second and that was the last word you said to them, you would regret it. Your life can be over as we know it in the blink of an eye. Live life to the fullest, cherish every moment like it was your last, make memories that will last you a lifetime. Laugh and have fun, never take things in life too seriously because trust me it does go by quick.

I can’t believe it will be twelve years in May that my dad has passed. This article I wrote is dedicated to him and to anyone else's loved one’s that have passed. May they rest in peace.