Daughter's_Loss

A Daughter’s Los The Center for Allied Health Nursing Education A Daughter’s Loss Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more conversation, one more chance to make up for the time when you thought they would be here forever' Yes, I am talking about me losing my father in a sudden death. I lost my father August 9, 2000 and up to this time I always wish if I could only turn time. He was good man, good provider, caring and loving. He was always there for us. He cooks and do household chores just to make sure that we have time to study and to focus on our school work. He was our only hope and the chance in order for us to fulfill our dreams through his hard work. He did everything he could just to send us to college. My dad was a government employee; they were responsible for making and repairing roads. He works from early morning to evening, soaked on the mid day sun. My father did not mind it all, so he can provide food for his family and to give his children a better future. My father worked so hard every day in order to have enough money to pay for tuition for his children. He sacrificed his needs for his children. Foods were provided three times a day. All we have to focus on were to have good grades and nothing else. Growing up in a foreign land and with a father like my dad was so different than others. We are so used to our parents providing our daily needs and forget the importance of appreciation. I don’t remember my dad sitting at home and relaxing. He was always doing something to earn money in order to support his family. He always made sure that his children have everything they need and wanted. I migrated 1995 with the help of my aunt. Living away from home made me a better person. I realized I had it good, no responsibility, no worries, no bills to pay except to worry about myself. Every father’s day, I remember my dad of how good a father he was. He was the best man I ever knew. While I was still at home, I didn’t spend time with him and I realize I didn’t even thank him even once. So, I decided to set a date to visit my dad and the whole family. I was planning to spend time with my father for this visit because I felt so guilty that I have not even showed him any love and appreciation. I was always close to my mother growing up, not with my father. First week of August, I called my family home to discuss my itinerary and to ask everyone’s opinion where my dad would like to go for a vacation because I wanted to surprise him. One morning, came home from working night shift, I was so tired but I decided to reach on the bedside phone to call my sister. My sister answered and she was acting weird. She told me that she has something to tell me but she requested for me to call back in a few hours. I insisted and told her that I will not hang up until she tells me what it was all about. So, she proceeded to tell me the whole story and the news. My father died on a sudden death, while he was taking a nap in our boarding house. We were all devastated. My father was found lying in bed unconscious, no pulse and no breathing by one of our tenant. He was 59 years old. He did not get a chance to enjoy his life, he just retired that year. I felt so bad for him. All my plans were changed, thanking him in person, spending time with him and showing him he was loved and appreciated were too late. His life was cut short. I was saddened but I figured God has better plan for him. My heart was broken into pieces. Now, I believe how short life is and that we should not take it for granted because no one knows when it ends. It was twelve years ago, but up to now and until the day I die, I would never forget my father and that he always has a space in my heart forever. If I could only turn back the time, I would show him that he was loved and appreciated. Everything was too late. All I can see was the coffin with the body inside. He was not able to hear me any longer. I can’t cry hard enough for him to hear me. Losing someone you love is very painful. It is so hard when someone you love is taken away without any signs or warning. I’ve learned through this experience to be expressive of how I feel especially to those people I love and care the most. I’ve learned not to take anyone for granted. I also learn to treat people I love and everyone such as my friends, like this would be the last time I will be spending time with them and I, may not see them again. Life is unpredictable and life is short. We need to value each other especially those who we love the most. Express yourself. Don’t hesitate to show and tell them that you love them. I learned it in the hard way. Now, I have a family of my own, I treasure every moment that I have with them because life is too short.