For as long as I can remember, my father has always been in a wheelchair. When I was just six-years-old, he was in a bad accident at work that left him paralyzed from the waist down. It was a day that changed his life, and my family's lives forever.

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the day of my kindergarten graduation. It was supposed to be a special, happy day for my family. My dad could not attend the ceremony because he had to work and I was very upset that he wouldn't be there. When the ceremony was over, we went home and had a small gathering for friends and family. That’s when it happened; there was a horrible accident at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

It was breaking news. Three men had been severely injured after having fallen 40 feet to the ground due to a scaffolding that had collapsed. We knew this was the construction site of my dad’s job, but we didn’t think much of it. We didn't want to assume the worst, and were hoping this was just a coincidence. We were waiting by the phone, hoping that my dad would call any second to tell us he was just fine.

Next thing we know, we receive a phone call from my dad’s brother, the project manager on site of the job. He had some bad news; my dad was one of the three men to fall and he was unconscious. He was being rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital where they were going to do the best they could to make sure everything would be fine. From this moment on, we knew our lives would never be the same.

It’s been hard living with a dad in a wheelchair. The first few years were the hardest, having to adjust to the new lifestyle. There are a lot of things he is able to do on his own. He can get himself ready, he can do things around the house, and he can even drive. Some things, though, he does need assistance with, and will ask for help when he needs it.

Since the accident, we have had to move, and build a new home that is fully handicap accessible for him. It’s frustrating for him when there’s something he can’t do on his own. I could never imagine living my life the way he does; it amazes me that he is able to stay so positive when he faced such a tragic accident.

Life can sometimes throw you curve balls, and take unexpected turns for the worst. This June will mark 15 years since my dad’s accident. Most of the memories I have with my father are of him in a wheelchair. Some things are really hard, but he always seems to be in good spirit about it. He tries to keep a positive outlook on life because he knows the accident could have killed him. He is very lucky to be alive, to still be here today with his family and friends.

Dad, I know we fight like crazy and you get on my last nerve but isn’t that what fathers are for? I know I give you crap all the time and I say things that I probably shouldn't and most of the time don’t mean, but at the end of the day you’re my number one guy and I love you very much. Thanks for always being there for me when I need you; and thanks for always trying to make the best out of a very unfortunate situation.