I'm not going to lie to you and say this article is going to be happy at the end because let's face it, it's not a happy subject. I could lie to you and explain how better it gets day by day but I'm not going to do that. It doesn't get better. It just becomes the tiniest bit bearable. You just have to get through each day and know that your loved one is looking over you and helping you get through it, whatever you may or may not believe in. Some days are going to be really bad. Sometimes you're gonna have a dream about him or just think about him in the back of your mind and be like "Has it really been 5 years? It feels like it happened today." For a long, while you're gonna hear your phone ring and think it's him calling to say goodnight or to ask you about your day. Then you're gonna realize that it's not him calling and that he's never going to call you again. It's not going to be easy. I'd be lying if I said it was. It's going to get hard when you think about how he's not going to be there when you start college or when you graduate college or when you realize that he's not going to be at your wedding that you may or may not have to walk you down the aisle and give you away. But, there has been a few things that have helped me along the way that I'd like to share with you:

1. Remember that your mom still needs you. Whether your parents were still married or not, she's probably hurting too and wants to help you get through it. My mom, for instance, she was divorced from my dad for nearly 13 years but she had two children with him and her heart broke when he passed away. Even if she acts fine, or they don't get along, she loved him once and she's grieving for your loss, as well.

2. Remember that you have so many people who will be here to pick you right back up when you need it. Go out with your friends, eat, drink, go to a movie etc. Anything that will help you pick yourself up.

3. It's okay to be mad at the world but you have to realize that some things just can't be controlled and that losing people, no matter how hard it is, is the way of life.

4. Don't blame yourself. I know how hard that is because I blamed myself for a long time but this was out of your control.

5. The first year is going to be blurry, but hold on to all the memories you have.

6. Don't push everyone away. it's just going to make your time more miserable.

7. Enjoy the little things in life.

Losing your dad isn't easy, but if you remember these things it might be make it a little more bearable. Just remember that you need your family and they need you. You have so many people who love you and what to help you in any way they can, let them.