A Selfless Love - a Tribute To My Dad

I was not ready to lose you. But you were taken from me, anyway. Suddenly. On a sunny day that started so normally. Without any sign of the emotional pain to come. Abruptly. Life’s like that, I guess. It shouldn’t be that way. It just is. Unfair. Losing a loved one is always hard. Losing a father at a tender age is as hard as it gets. Wrenching. I was more than a boy. But, not yet a man. Becoming. You were meant to be my guide through that stage of life. You were supposed to be my mentor as I grew. Transitioning. I had to do a lot of growing up fast in those early years after you passed. I had to be strong for Mum. Maturing. The sad thing is I have more in common with you now than I had then. I share your love for photography and classical music. Passions. Oh, the conversations we could have had. I don’t even know which classical composers you listened to. Wondering. So many things left unsaid. So much potential. Gone. I would have been a different man if you had stayed. In ways that I will never know. Unguessable. I’ve been told I look like you. That gives me much consolation. Comforting. I feel like, in me, there’s a part of you that lives still. I carry on your name. Heritage. The memories may be dimmer as the years roll by too fast. But I will never forget the values you taught me. Integrity. Honesty. Trust. Love. Yours was a selfless love. I never wanted for anything. Cared for. Loved. One day we WILL have those conversations. When I get to Heaven. Future. But I hope that day doesn’t come too soon. Until then, keep watching over me. I hope I make you proud.