When I was seven years old, my mom died. She was diagnosed with brain cancer when I was 3, and lost her battle 4 years later, just weeks after my seventh birthday.
That left my dad alone with an angry, sassy little girl.
I started going to therapy, and my dad sent me to a summer camp for kids who had lost family members. At 7, I could not really articulate my feelings beyond anger, so my therapy sessions were mostly my therapist and I playing Connect 4. But that summer camp, Comfort Zone, is really what changed my life. I flew across the country to Virginia, for weekend camps, and I was little, so I really didn’t know what was going on. But my counselor at that first camp made an incredible impact on me as a strong woman that I very much admire, and she is still a huge part of my life.
For my dad and I, things were not always smooth sailing. As my dad started dating, I really rebelled. I didn’t want a “new” mom- I had a mom. Not to mention that this time was when I started going through puberty, so my emotions were really uncontrollable. I’m fairly sure that the only reason I didn’t get suspended from school as a kid was because people felt bad for me. (If you knew me during this time, I’m so sorry. I’m a lot nicer now, I promise.)
My dad works harder than anyone I’ve ever met in my life, and he worked hard to make sure that my life was the best it could possibly be. We had support from so many of our family and friends, who I know we are both so grateful for.
My father has instilled so many important values in me. My dad taught me how to be independent, how to work hard, and how to fight for what I believe in. He taught me endless strength, compassion, and kindness. He and I are more similar than either of us would ever care to admit- sometimes I say or do things and I’m in awe of how much it sounded like an Ed-ism.
Sometimes, I don’t think I convey just how much I love my dad or how appreciative I am for all he has done to help and support me on my journey, and that’s why I wanted to write this article. I could say a lot more about how great my dad is, or how wonderful he is, or about how happy I am that he has found someone that I love and admire and respect, but I don’t want to be too mushy.
That sassy little girl still lives on inside me, but all that’s changed is that I am happy now. I’m not angry at the world anymore. And I can appreciate how blessed I am.