August 2019, my world stopped. My dad was diagnosed with leukemia and needed to be treated in O‘ahu with my mom as his caretaker. The treatment had no time period, I wasn’t sure if he would be back in a couple weeks, months, or years. As an oblivious 12 year old finding out this news I felt sad more than I did scared, the reason being that my dad was the strongest man in the world, he is my hero. Throughout this time my parents missed so many milestones like my birthday, Halloween, and Christmas but luckily he had a break from treatment and got to come home for thanksgiving weekend. They both missed their first granddaughter's birthday. He finished his treatment and came back strong and healthy at perfect timing to celebrate her with family and friends.

When my world was finally getting back to normal, the entire world was put on pause due to COVID. We couldn’t go anywhere like stores, restaurants, and hotels. Even though you would think for a kid my age this would be the most absurd thing ever, but I felt the happiest I’ve been in a while. With all this time spent in our own little bubble filled with love, fun, and enjoyment I got back all the time I missed while my parents were away and more. As the world started to go back to normal and we were able to be out in public and around other people. My dad got to experience walking his eldest daughter down the aisle and welcoming his second granddaughter. At this time my world was perfect.

But then, again, in October 2022, my world was shattered, we got the news that my dad’s cancer was back with a vengeance, he needed a bone marrow transplant to live. He will be treated at Stanford hospital in Palo Alto California. Now being a 14 year old understanding more of the medical terms and the seriousness of the diagnosis, I was scared, confused, and miserable. With him being so many miles away and him going through so many changes and scares. My phone was never silent and every time I heard the ring of my phone or any phone my heart would race. The thought of losing my dad and not being able to say goodbye was always a thought in the back of my mind. I say the back of my mind because even in this state that he’s in, he’s still the strongest man in the world, he is my hero.

September 2023, my 15th birthday is coming and so is my mom and dad. My dad beat cancer with a long road ahead. With my dad being home not able to do as much as he could before, we spent so much time together and it felt like we were all on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Sitting there watching my dad knowing that he’s feeling sad, weak, and vulnerable, I still looked at him as the strongest man in the world. Like an oblivious little girl, I sat in that room soaking in every laugh, smile, joke, and cry with him not realizing that those moments would be my last with him.

Although he’s no longer here on earth with me, I carry him in my heart. I feel his presence everyday in each and everything I do. I’m grateful for all the laughs, hugs, lessons, and memories that he has left me with. My dad is my hero and will never be forgotten.

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