Life lessons I wish everyone knew
Godswill Okechukwu
Author | Civil & Environ. Engr'ng | Public Health & Sustainability
Hi, It’s me again.
This week marks 8 years since my dad passed.
It's been a time when I learned a lot about myself and life.
He passed on July 02, 2016.
The pictures, everything still fresh in my memory.
Before he passed, I took a lot of things for granted:
- the time I had with him,
- the stability of our family,
- and the certainty of the future.
But after he passed, everything changed.
Suddenly, I was faced with so much uncertainty.
I had to take on jobs and work long hours on top of my university studies.
There were many nights when I felt completely exhausted, both physically and emotionally.
In those dark moments, I had to dig deep and find reserves of strength I didn't know I had.
I became more resilient, determined, and focused on what truly matters in life.
Little things like reading a good book, having conversations with people, or watching the rain started to take on so much more meaning for me.
I also became a lot more empathetic and compassionate.
Losing my dad made me realize how precious and fragile life can be.
I started to look at the world with more wonder and appreciation and to be kinder and more patient with the people around me.
What helped me through the most difficult times, though, was my commitment to honoring my dad's memory.
I put my heart into my studies.
I ensured my mom was happy.
I was determined to make my dad proud by doing so.
Every move I made and every little win - no matter how small - felt like a way to keep his legacy alive.
I took it personally.
And of course, the unwavering support of my family - my mom, my siblings, and my closest friends – was helpful.
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They were my rock, my shoulder to lean on when I felt like I couldn't go on.
Their love and encouragement gave me the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I have to be honest with you; losing my dad was the hardest thing I've ever been through.
But in the end, it has also made me a better, more grounded, and more purposeful person.
I wouldn’t want to have my life another way, but I know I am on the right path.
I'll always miss him terribly, but I know he would be proud of the life I'm building – one filled with meaning, resilience, and a deep appreciation for every single moment.
I've become more patient, more empathetic, and more attuned to the preciousness of every relationship in my life.
I no longer take a single day for granted.
I strive to take care of my mom, as well, as live each moment with intention and gratitude.
The truth is, life is fragile.
But rather than letting that reality paralyze me with fear, I've chosen to embrace it.
I want you - my reader - to do the same too.
If there's one thing I hope you take away from my story, it's this:
- cherish every moment,
- enjoy the little things,
- and never underestimate the power you have to overcome even the greatest of challenges that come your way.
Sure, the road has been hard.
But I have come out on the other side more resilient, grateful, and determined than ever to live a life that would make my dad beam with pride.
How about you?
If you are not sure how to feel at the moment, I'm here to support you.
Feel free to connect.
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