My dad passed from cancer when I was two years old. He was diagnosed with leukemia when I was one and was able to battle through it and win. However he relapsed a year later and after vigorous chemo treatments Dad passed. Because of my age I do not remember much about this or him except through stories and pictures, but through these ways I have learned of his humor, intelligence, and genuine likeability. Everyday I strive to live my life like he would. To make him proud. Not having Dad in my life has definitely left a hole. A place where something should be but isn’t. Times of sadness, longing, and weakness are rare but happen. I have always been closest to his side of the family and there is a noticeable part of my life missing. Playing catch, teaching me to work on cars (he enjoyed tinkering), “jamming” (he played bass, guitar, and keyboard), or going golfing with him. I’ve missed out on all these things. If I could do anything it would be to play a round of golf with him. I miss my father deeply, but with the help of my mother we are able to get through it. I have learned much about my father. From my grandpa golfing stories always ending with “you would have loved him so much”, or my mom and her brothers stories from back in Garner about just growing up, my father has been a figure I aim to point my life toward. A figure with a hard work ethic and fun attitude. Even in his fight with cancer my father was teaching me to never give up and always stay positive. Dad’s absence is hard but he has helped me grow like no one else has. In sports, in school, in work, in relationships, I have gone through life with him in mind and heart. I would give anything for him to be back with us but I know that God has a plan. This sin that is cancer may have taken my father but the lord has used it to grow me in him. My father was a christian and I know he is in heaven. As for now I have a loving step father and family and will remember and honor my father through my life and actions glorifying my Dad and my heavenly father the way he taught me.