I may not have any business writing this article; I have no idea how hard it is to not have a father in your life. I don't know what it's like to have a single parent running the family. I haven't the slightest clue of how hard it is for you, but there are a few things I do know...

You are so strong.

Without my dad, I would be a complete wreck. But losing your father has highlighted all of your positive qualities; you are intelligent, beautiful, and so blessed to have had your time with him. It's hard for me to distinguish between a real and a forced smile and not being able to control such a major life event is one of the hardest things a person can go through, but you have done it with such grace and wisdom that I know your dad is looking down on you with a grin.

You are independent.

Solitude is a fairly common action when someone close to you passes and yearning for time alone helps you to feel comfortable with yourself as you grow into a more mature and self-aware individual. I think that's the most amazing part about you; even though it may have been forced upon you, molding into a responsible and levelheaded adult is such an amazing thing to watch a friend go through. I know that grief is a walk you have to take alone, but know that while you walk down your own path at your own pace, I will be right beside you through it all whenever you need me.

You are wise.

You have seen things that no daughter should have to see their father go through so early in their life. You've seen your mother become a widow. And that is the most awful thing someone can experience. But you have become empathetic to others around you and not taking anything for granted is an exceptionally wonderful gift that you have received from an unfortunate scenario.

You are loved.

Your father didn't leave this world to spite you, his time was up. But I am positive that his love for you is even more infinite on the other side. Your family and friends love you so much too. Watching someone experience the death of their father is so difficult because I never know if bringing up stories about my own dad will bring tears or not, but I have learned that talking about them is good. Even though he is not physically with you, I know that your dad is always on your mind and I want to hear how proud you are of him; he deserves to be remembered for living such a full life.

I've read all the articles I can trying to grasp what you feel on a daily basis. Writing an article of my own still isn't going to help anything -- I have no clue how it feels to lose a father. My heart aches for you every day, but I smile when I see how outstandingly you cope with his loss. I thank your dad every night for creating you and giving me such an amazing best friend. Through his loss I have realized how much I value you, all relationships, and life in general. I know that there isn't anything that can be said to heal the gap you have in your heart, but I will always be here for you and I love you more than anything.