Ch.6

January 24, 2012

Today's the 9th anniversary of Dad's death. Well, it was actually around midnight. I miss him.

Mom hasn't come out of her room yet. It's noon, and I'm starting to get worried. But I'll let her do what she wants today. It's tough.

The other guys left us the apartment for the day, just like on his birthday. I think they went to the pool. I'm not sure. I'm not thinking straight today.

I can't tell if living without Dad is getting any easier. One thing's for sure: life will never be the same again. It's just a new reality.

I guess I've realized something since Dad died. Everything in our lives- everything that happens, everything we experience- makes us who we are.

For one thing, having my dad with me for the first eight years of my life shaped my personality. I learned how to love from him; he never stopped showing us how much he loved us. I learned how to be nice to people, how to put others first. And, of course, I wouldn't be a hockey player without him.

On the other hand, I was shaped by the experience of losing him at such a young age. It taught me how to be strong, even when it was near impossible. It taught me how to be a leader because I had to take his place as "the man of the house". It taught me to appreciate what I have and not take it for granted because it won't always be there. It also taught me how to hide my emotions. Mom's always getting on my case about how I always look all serious, angry, hostile as she calls it. But that's what happens when you have to go on with the rest of your life without your father. I'll never be the same.

I can't think about him anymore. It's still too hard for me. I need to get my mind off of him. Luckily, I have a plan for today. Every year on January 24th, I go to the rink and find someone to play a game with. That distracts me for awhile. And every year on this day, I win. I think it's because Dad is watching over me.

I love you Dad, and I always will. Thank you for making me who I am.

A/N: Sorry it was so short. That's the end of my first fanfic. Yay, I'm proud of myself! Thank you to everyone who read it and gave me your feedback. I hope you liked it! Tell me what you thought of it, please!