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My Dad was Awesome

April 18, 2013 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 68 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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Screen Shot 2013-04-15 at 7.47.36 PM

Today marks 5 years since my dad passed away. It's a sad day, but I know to make each day better than the last. I know to stop fretting about little things and enjoy life. I know to stop focusing on money (still working on this) and work on improving life instead. Most of you know that to this day I still have a hard time dealing with the fact that my dad passed away, so I want to keep this post short before it turns into something depressing.

The picture above is of my dad from a long time ago. Probably in the 80's but I'm not sure. It's one of my favorite photos of him. My dad was obsessed with traveling and photography and I have over 100 photo albums from him that are jam packed full of pictures. My love for travel definitely came from him (so did my love for DisneyWorld!).

What are you doing to make your day more awesome than the last?

 

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68 Comments
Filed Under: Life Tagged With: Family, Life

About Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Michelle is the founder of Making Sense of Cents, a blog about personal finance and traveling. She discusses how her business has evolved in her side income series. She paid off $40,000 in student loans by the age of 24 mainly due to her freelancing side hustles. Click here to learn more about starting a blog!

Comments

  1. Dianne @ Skinny Seahorse says

    April 18, 2013 at 3:49 am

    My mom passed away almost a year ago. I understand the hurt and pain that comes with losing a parent. Her death was an inspiration for my year off. It made me realize this world is temporary and we should fulfill our dreams, spend time with our families and enjoy our lives NOW, not just when we retire.

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:46 am

      I'm sorry about your mom. And yes, we should fulfill our dreams! You never know what's going to happen in the future.

      Reply
  2. Allison says

    April 18, 2013 at 4:19 am

    Michelle I wish I could give you the biggest hug and listen to you talk about your dad. You are so young but so strong. I am sure he would tell you very at how proud of you he is. He was awesome and so are you

    Reply
  3. Jacqueline Diaz says

    April 18, 2013 at 5:46 am

    I am so sorry about your loss, but I can completely understand how and what your feeling. Ironically enough, today’s day marks the anniversary of my father’s passing as well. It has been 7 years for us. Time flies, and its hard to believe its that long ago.

    Reply
  4. Alexis says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:05 am

    What an amazing tribute to your Dad. Today marks for me my Moms Birthday and 4 years since her death. She was my best friend and we did everything together. I miss her every minute but much like you, know she wants me to have a happy life and make the most of every day. I recently accomplished something she wanted for me, I moved to a new state and started a happy new life in a great house near friends. I make each day special and amazing as she had wished for me . Thanks for a great reminder of what we must do as children of parents that inspired us, to go on and live a full life.

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:47 am

      Thank you. And I'm sorry about your mom. My dad and I did everything together also.

      Reply
  5. Holly@ClubThrifty says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:11 am

    Awesome pic, Michelle! I'm sorry to hear about your dad =(

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:47 am

      Thanks Holly

      Reply
  6. Lance@MoneyLife&More says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:22 am

    That's awesome that you have so many pictures 🙂 I'm sure there are lots of great ones in there.
    My recent post Call for Guest Posts and Maybe More!

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:47 am

      Thanks Lance!

      Reply
  7. Sam says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:25 am

    Glad you have all of those photos to look back on and remember! I’m sure that’s where your interest in traveling came from.

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:47 am

      I loooooooove all of the photos 🙂

      Reply
  8. John S @ Frugal Rules says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:43 am

    That's a great picture Michelle and so glad that you have so many of them as well as memories to remember him by.

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:47 am

      Thanks John

      Reply
  9. DC@Young Adult Money says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:11 am

    Wonderful picture, Michelle, and that's great that you have so many pictures. What am I doing to make today better than the last? Well, having a plumber come out to give us an estimate on our sewer fix so that we can actually use plumbing in our house without it backing up.
    My recent post The New Online Coupon Strategy

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:47 am

      Hahaha you just made my day!

      Reply
  10. Catherine says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:00 am

    These types of anniversaries are the worst. Try and do something really great today that you and your dad would have done together, start a new tradition so you can look forward to the day instead of dreading it. Maybe start a tradition of getting a picture done in the same spot as one of his pictures? I know flying to Egypt today is likely out of the question but you get my point. Hope you're day isn't too dark 😉

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:48 am

      I would love to fly to Egypt and recreate this picture! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Alan@escapingmydebt says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:26 am

    That is a very cool picture. Sorry for your loss.
    My recent post What to Consider if You Lose Your Job

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:48 am

      Thanks Alan

      Reply
  12. debtroundup says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:37 am

    I know days like this must be hard. My wife's father passed away 10 years ago and it is still hard for her on the day. Days like this needs to give us a reminder that we need to enjoy each and every day and stop worrying so much about things that might be beyond our control. We also need to take control of the things that we can control and turn our lives around. Enjoy life!
    My recent post One Year Lived Book Review and Giveaway!

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:48 am

      Yes it is still very hard. I don't know how some people manage 🙁

      Reply
  13. Jacob@CashCowCouple says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:49 am

    Great picture Michelle. Hold on to those awesome memories! Chin up 🙂
    My recent post 5 Warning Signs That You Might Be Financially Illiterate

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:48 am

      Thanks Jacob

      Reply
  14. Budget & the Beach says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:50 am

    I'm sorry Michelle. Sounds like it's still very hard for you. I still have both my parents, and that's why I want to spend more time with them in June when I visit Detroit. They are both much older and being so far away, I never know how much time I have left with them,especially my mom who always seems to be sick with something. And for me, I'm moving away from doing some of the work I don't want to be doing…I know that i don't want to waste more time being unhappy with certain things about my job.
    My recent post Do I need an Emergency Fund?: One Cat’s Dilemma

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:48 am

      That's good that you are moving away from crappy work. I need to do that.

      Reply
  15. @SumoCoupon says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:56 am

    This is just awesome! Your dad was awesome. I really like the raw emotion in your post. Enjoy everyday and every memory. Cheers

    Reply
  16. Little House says

    April 18, 2013 at 9:06 am

    So sorry for your loss. I know that losing parents is inevitable and no matter what age, it must hurt greatly. That's a great picture and I'm sure you have lots of great memories of him. Enjoy your happy memories of him today.

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:49 am

      Thank you

      Reply
  17. The Norwegian Girl says

    April 18, 2013 at 9:12 am

    I´m incredibly sorry for your loss! I can`t even imagine the loss of a parent, but I`m so happy for you that you have all these wonderful pictures to reminisce about your dad:-) It must be nice to have something to look back on, and seeing how your dad embraced life by travelling:-)
    My recent post How to overcome feeling overwhelmed

    Reply
  18. alwayshungry4 says

    April 18, 2013 at 9:47 am

    My thoughts are with you, Michelle – my dad passed when I was 18 and it's challenging to lose a parent at an early age. That is a wonderful picture of him, and undoubtedly you have his ambition and zest for life. Take care.
    My recent post April Midpoint Check-In

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:49 am

      I was 18 as well when it happened. still makes me sad!

      Reply
  19. Alexa says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:03 am

    I your attitude Michelle. I am sure your dad is watching down on you extremely proud! We do need to make each day better than the last, so that is what I am going to do today! No complaining about anything just enjoying the day and the people around me!
    My recent post How to Make the Most of a Crappy Job

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:50 am

      Thanks Alexa

      Reply
  20. writing2reality says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:15 am

    What a wonderful picture Michelle! I am sorry for you loss! I am sure that he would be incredibly proud of how you have grown and developed both personally and professionally over the last five years!
    My recent post Website Hosting: How I Saved Money AND Got Better Service!

    Reply
  21. therandompath says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Sorry for your loss Michelle. Hang in there today!!! *hugs*
    My recent post Financially Under Construction

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:50 am

      Thanks girl

      Reply
  22. Ashlee says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Thinking of you today, Michelle! I love seeing the pics you post of your dad.

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:50 am

      Thanks Ashlee!

      Reply
  23. plantingourpennies says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:29 am

    I think honoring your dad by focusing on enjoying life is a pretty spectacular way to do it.
    My recent post Actual Cost of Owning A Pool – Part 2

    Reply
  24. Canadianbudgetbinder says

    April 18, 2013 at 11:18 am

    Losing a loved one is a scar that is hard to remove from our lives and the healing may go on forever. I know I feel it. I try to just remember that what happened in the past, the memories will always live on. The post I wrote last week about how we can't skype heaven is a great reminder how we should embrace the present and take the time to be with the one's we love. Focusing so much on one thing is never a good thing when we let our lives flash before our eyes. Cheers and keep smilin.. I'm sure he's watching over you!
    My recent post How We Saved $146.90 By Reading The Paper

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:50 am

      I wish we could skype heaven 🙂

      Reply
  25. joellarsgaard says

    April 18, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    Sorry about your dad Michelle. Its great that you have such wonderful pictures to remember him with. The one you posted is fantastic.
    My recent post 6 Tips for College Students to Save

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:51 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  26. morgaine80 says

    April 18, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    Very sorry for your loss. My Dad died 3.5 years ago and I miss him a lot too. He had a great sense of humour and would always try to make everyone smile.
    My recent post New Blog! And a Giveaway!

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:51 am

      I'm sorry 🙁

      Reply
  27. Holly says

    April 18, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    I'm so sorry about your dad, but I'm so glad that you have great memories of him – and what an awesome photo of him! Sending lots of hugs your way!! xoxo

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:51 am

      I LOVE this photo 🙂

      Reply
  28. brickbybrickinvesting2012 says

    April 18, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    Sorry to hear about your dad, it's amazing that your dad was by the pyramids on horseback!
    My recent post Defend Against Cyprus Like Governments

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:51 am

      🙂

      Reply
  29. Kyle@DebtFreeDiaries says

    April 18, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    This was a nice tribute to you dad. Have you thought of doing a "memorial trip" out somewhere that he wanted to travel to, or you both wanted to visit? An adventure like that could be another great way to remember him in a positive light, though it seems like you're already doing pretty well on that front. 🙂
    My recent post Our Biggest Impulse Buy Ever!

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:51 am

      Great idea!

      Reply
  30. eemusings says

    April 18, 2013 at 5:03 pm

    <3

    What a great photo. I'm sure this is a day of mixed feelings for you – take care of yourself.

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:51 am

      Thanks

      Reply
  31. Justin says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    That is an awesome photo. From what you say about him, your father really knew how to enjoy life.
    My recent post 5 Worst College Student Money Mistakes

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:51 am

      Thanks justin

      Reply
  32. Mike@WeOnlyDoThisOnc says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    My condolences. He certainly seems like an amazing character. Glad to hear about a continued love of travel.

    Reply
  33. LivingDFRocks! says

    April 18, 2013 at 9:10 pm

    My thoughts are with you today…I can really understand how you are feeling. There isn't a day that doesn't go by that I don't miss my own stepdad. I am certain your dad would be so proud of you as a person and all that you are accomplishing!

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:52 am

      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
  34. studentdebtsurvivor says

    April 18, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    What a brilliant photo. A vivid reminder to live life to the fullest, travel and do things to make life exciting and fun (he sure looks like he was having fun). Big hugs 🙂
    My recent post Welcome US News Readers!

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:52 am

      I definitely need to work on living life to the fullest 🙂

      Reply
  35. Michelle says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:26 pm

    Sending you a huge hug!

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:52 am

      Thanks Michelle!

      Reply
  36. Diane says

    April 18, 2013 at 11:21 pm

    My sympathy on the loss of your dad. Even though it's been 5 years, the pain never totally goes away. I understand, because I lost my own dad suddenly & unexpectedly when I was 15 and he was only 37…

    I learned then to NEVER take anyone you love for granted, ever. Appreciate every moment and every day you have together!

    And take opportunities to spend time with family and friends whenever you can. Right now my boyfriend & I are at the beach for a long weekend, sharing a condo with my best friend & her husband. I am so thrilled to have this chance to spend time enjoying each other in a fantastic place!

    Reply
    • MakingSenseofCents says

      April 19, 2013 at 11:52 am

      I agree Diane! The pain NEVER goes away.

      Reply
  37. Tie the Money Knot says

    April 19, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Thanks for posting this, and I'm sorry about the loss of your Dad and the natural sadness about it.

    Short post, but thought-provoking especially with your question. To answer it, I'm spending time with family later today and tomorrow, planning on simply focusing on the moment and treasuring my time with them. It's the most important people that make life awesome.
    My recent post Should People Know Details of Their Parents’ Finances?

    Reply
  38. AmericanDebtProject says

    April 19, 2013 at 10:22 pm

    Thank you for sharing Michelle. I love that you have all of those albums of memories, that's beautiful. Sending you a hug and going to make the rest of today awesome in honor of your dad.

    Reply

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    […] Making Sense of Cents- “My Dad Was Awesome” Michelle share a short story about her dad and why he is so awesome. Truly inspirational and […]

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Hello and welcome!
My name is Michelle and I'm the author/owner of Making Sense of Cents. Learning how to save money and make more money changed my life. It allowed me to pay off $40,000 in student loans, start my own business, and I now travel full-time.
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