My mom has always called me a daddy’s boy. My favorite part of the day when I was younger, was telling my dad about my day in school. Sharing all about my little day, and he would always listen and ask questions. Every time.
I’ve always looked up to my dad, he was the working man in our household, the man that always put me and my mom first and made countless sacrifices for us.
The biggest sacrifice he’s made in his life is moving to the other side of the world at the age of 20. Not knowing anyone or the language and leaving all of his friends and family. I honestly can’t think of a bigger sacrifice.
I had just bought train tickets to spend a week back in my girlfriends’ hometown. One week later, the man that I have always looked up to, could barely walk.
Last summer my dad suffered a stroke. While his life is not the same as before, he can walk and talk after a long (and ongoing) recovery. This was just a few days before my train ride and I honestly didn’t know what to do.
But, my dad said something that day in the hospital room that has resonated with me ever since.
Please, do not put your life on hold for me.
I told him that I would cancel my trip and stay with him. He told me, that he would not want me to do that. He wanted me to go.
I went back and forth in my head, but I ended up going. The train ride was a 10-hour journey and I spent the whole ride thinking about my dad. I had a great time with my girlfriend and her family.
He was right. If I had put my life on hold, I would have missed out on a great experience. Everything I do is for my parents. I owe them everything. But, I also owe it to myself to live my life. I can’t put my life on hold for them, because they wouldn’t want me to.
When I got back, my dad was still in the hospital, but he was doing better. He was happy to see me and wanted to hear all about my trip. I told him everything. Just like when I was a kid.
This is the first time I write something like this. I got inspired by this post and, it hit close to home.
I hope you enjoyed it.