My dad would be proud

Growing up, I never quite realized how much of my dad was inside me until I started to see myself through the lens of his qualities. It’s funny how, over time, traits and mannerisms that once seemed so distant suddenly become part of who you are. Losing a parent at a young age creates a silence that’s hard to fill. For me, the shift after my dad passed was profound—I became quieter and more reserved, unsure of my own voice. But as I grew older, especially in high school, I found that quiet strength within myself, a determination to not only make my parents proud but to build a life molded by the values they instilled. What surprised me most was discovering that the qualities I admired in my dad—his thoughtfulness, his layered personality—were not gone, but alive in me. I saw myself becoming expressive and silly again, softer like my mom, yet still carrying that observant and thoughtful nature that reminded me of him. This journey isn’t just about resemblance in looks; it’s about embracing the deeper parts of our identity shaped by parental bonds. It's about piecing yourself back together after loss and realizing the enduring presence of those we love within ourselves. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your roots or unsure about your identity, know that reflecting on who your parents were—and seeing parts of them in who you’ve become—can be a powerful way to understand your own growth. It’s a testament to love, memory, and the silent ways our family shapes us into who we are meant to be.