I never knew how much he meant to me until he was gone, until I physically couldn't get out of bed in the morning, until my test grades started to plummet, until I barely recognized myself anymore. My papa was one of my favorite people. He was a role model, friend, confidant and an inspiration to me. He was the type of person who would light up the room when he walked in. Even when his health was declining, his presence still brightened my day. I always took in every moment I spent with him and was very aware that one day these moments would cease to exist. I knew his death was inevitable, and although I mentally prepared for it, his passing affected me in ways I could have never imagined. If wonderful people like my grandpa are just going to die, what is the point of life? I had always been very driven, especially when it came to academics. School was a priority for me, and I worked hard to achieve good grades all throughout high school. However, after his death, something changed. I still wanted those good grades, but found a lack in my motivation to achieve them. For weeks, I lost passion for schoolwork and other activities. I felt everything was pointless if I was just going to die someday like my papa. A voice in my head would tell me I'm capable of overcoming these feelings and to pick myself back up, but my repressive thoughts would drown out that voice. This dark time during my junior year of high school lasted for a few weeks. My grades started to drop and I wasn't myself anymore. Without passion and drive, I felt worthless and I didn't like this person I was becoming. Then something clicked. I knew my papa wouldn't want me to sabotage myself like this. He believed in me more than anyone else, and I wanted to make him proud. I realized death is inevitable and it's a part of life. It was his time, and I cannot control anything but myself and how I react to the situation. After that, I started studying again and morphed back into the person I was before; A person who my papa would be proud of and most importantly, a person I was proud of. Now, I can confidently say that I got my life back together and feel like my outlook on the world has changed. I am even more passionate about life and grateful to be capable of achieving. Instead of every action feeling like a chore, like it did for so long, every action feels like a reward. Life is short, and death will occur whether we expect it or not. Why not make the most of every moment I am given on this earth? I know my papa would be proud of the person I have become, and I am too.