Father's Day - how my dad changed my life

By Kamea Zelisko
This is a very personal story, but one I'm proud to share. It's about how my dad changed my life.
My dad was truly the anchor of my family and he led by example. He spoke little, worked hard and instilled in us good values and lessons. By nature, he was the kind of person you wanted to make proud, and all of his children felt this way.
In fact, this is what drove me to graduate high school, go into Journalism and then write for his favourite newspaper, the Edmonton Sun. He kept every single article I ever wrote in a drawer of his desk (then in a box when the drawer got full). I knew at that moment I had succeeded in making my dad proud.
He died 3 years ago on June 4. About 2 weeks from Father's Day and his birthday, which was on June 19. His death was, and still is devastating to our family. Each year around this time we struggle with the loss, feeling depressed, anxious and sad.
But what I want to share with you is the gift I received through his death - an appreciation for life. Before his death, like many people, I took things for granted - people, experiences, etc.
Now I live every second like it could be my last - I work hard, play hard and make time for the important things in life, including family, friends and experiences. I eat healthier, run marathons and enjoy nice long walks every chance I get. I have experienced more and met more amazing people in the past 3 years than I ever had before.
And while I have always enjoyed a strong passion for writing, I now have another passion - helping others. My friends and family mean the world to me and I always make time for them no matter how busy I get. In my professional life I sit in great meetings and brainstorm on all the creative ways I can help other businesses market themselves, and when those plans start to unfold I get an excitement I've never had before. I feel invigorated with a new drive and passion to live and experience life.
I will always miss my dad. But as they years go by I see that through his death he has given me the greatest gift of all - the gift of life. Thank you daddy, we miss you <3>