This marks year 1 with many to come in celebrating Father’s Day without my dad. I spent this one in South Korea, staying busy with one of my friends. In a way, I think I had it easy for the first year without him. Being on the other side of the world, it’s all too easy to unintentionally pretend that he is at home waiting for me with mom.

It still makes me catch my breath when I remember that he is actually gone, especially when I see something that reminds me of him. As the days pass, and my time in Korea is drawing closer to an end, it’s becoming more real that when I do go home, he won’t be there. I miss him more and more as time passes. I don’t think there will be a day where I don’t miss him or think of him, but maybe one day it won’t hurt as much.

Dad, I know you are still watching over me. Although I wish you could see me where I am now, I know that you would be so proud of what I’ve accomplished and experienced over this part year without you. You were one of the biggest influences in my life, and I wish I would have told you more that you have always been my role model. Thank you for making me into the person I am today. I will continue sharing my life with you, even if you aren’t physically here to see it. I love you Dad, forever and always. Love, your favorite youngest daughter.