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My Dad was Awesome

Last Updated: BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 68 Comments

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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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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

    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

  2. Allison says

    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

    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

    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

  7. Sam says

    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

  8. John S @ Frugal Rules says

    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

  10. Catherine says

    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

  12. debtroundup says

    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!

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  14. Budget & the Beach says

    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

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  16. Little House says

    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

  18. alwayshungry4 says

    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

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  24. Canadianbudgetbinder says

    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

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  27. Holly says

    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

  29. [email protected] says

    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!

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  33. LivingDFRocks! says

    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

  34. studentdebtsurvivor says

    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

  36. Diane says

    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

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