I never thought I’d lose both my parents by the time I was 27. Growing up you imagine your parents being there to see you get married, have a child, and be there for the big moments in your life; at least that’s what I imagined. Yet, here I am at the age of 28 and both my parents have passed. I have so many big moments coming up in the next few years that I wish they were here to see.

I bought a house and I wish my parents could see it. They would have loved the open feeling in the kitchen and family room.

I’m getting married to the love of my life and I would have loved to have my dad walk me down the aisle and have my mom help me pick out a dress. Honestly, I was contemplating even having a wedding ceremony/party because I just feel like it won’t be what I imagined. I have thought about just having a small, private ceremony with my fiancé and myself.

I plan on having a child in the next couple of years. My dad never planned on having any children (I’m an only child), but he was a pretty awesome dad and I know he would have been an awesome grandpa. My mom was so soft and gentle that I know she would have loved being a Lola.

I Won’t Let It Define Me

However, I won’t let the fact that I lost both of my parents define me. I don’t want to hold back on things I want to do because they aren’t here. I know my parents would want me to be happy and live life to the fullest and that’s what I’m doing. So, I’m going to have my wedding and have a child because I know at the end of the day, my parents would want that for me. I know that they will be there in any way they can whether that be through me wearing a piece of my mom’s jewelry, or just feeling their presence.

I’m sure we’ve all heard the quote by Bob Marley “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice” and that is definitely true. Going through these very sad changes in the last 3 years has shaped me into the person I am today. I miss my parents so much and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of them, but I’m doing what they would want me to be doing and that is to be happy.

Have you gone through any life experiences that changed you?