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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Dianne @ Skinny Seahorse says
April 18, 2013 at 3:49 amMy 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.
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:46 amI'm sorry about your mom. And yes, we should fulfill our dreams! You never know what's going to happen in the future.
Allison says
April 18, 2013 at 4:19 amMichelle 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
Jacqueline Diaz says
April 18, 2013 at 5:46 amI 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.
Alexis says
April 18, 2013 at 6:05 amWhat 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.
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:47 amThank you. And I'm sorry about your mom. My dad and I did everything together also.
Holly@ClubThrifty says
April 18, 2013 at 6:11 amAwesome pic, Michelle! I'm sorry to hear about your dad =(
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:47 amThanks Holly
Lance@MoneyLife&More says
April 18, 2013 at 6:22 amThat's awesome that you have so many pictures 🙂 I'm sure there are lots of great ones in there.
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:47 amThanks Lance!
Sam says
April 18, 2013 at 6:25 amGlad you have all of those photos to look back on and remember! I’m sure that’s where your interest in traveling came from.
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:47 amI loooooooove all of the photos 🙂
John S @ Frugal Rules says
April 18, 2013 at 6:43 amThat's a great picture Michelle and so glad that you have so many of them as well as memories to remember him by.
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:47 amThanks John
DC@Young Adult Money says
April 18, 2013 at 7:11 amWonderful 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.
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:47 amHahaha you just made my day!
Catherine says
April 18, 2013 at 8:00 amThese 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 😉
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:48 amI would love to fly to Egypt and recreate this picture! 🙂
Alan@escapingmydebt says
April 18, 2013 at 8:26 amThat is a very cool picture. Sorry for your loss.
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:48 amThanks Alan
debtroundup says
April 18, 2013 at 8:37 amI 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!
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:48 amYes it is still very hard. I don't know how some people manage 🙁
Jacob@CashCowCouple says
April 18, 2013 at 8:49 amGreat picture Michelle. Hold on to those awesome memories! Chin up 🙂
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:48 amThanks Jacob
Budget & the Beach says
April 18, 2013 at 8:50 amI'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.
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:48 amThat's good that you are moving away from crappy work. I need to do that.
@SumoCoupon says
April 18, 2013 at 8:56 amThis is just awesome! Your dad was awesome. I really like the raw emotion in your post. Enjoy everyday and every memory. Cheers
Little House says
April 18, 2013 at 9:06 amSo 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.
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:49 amThank you
The Norwegian Girl says
April 18, 2013 at 9:12 amI´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:-)
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alwayshungry4 says
April 18, 2013 at 9:47 amMy 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.
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:49 amI was 18 as well when it happened. still makes me sad!
Alexa says
April 18, 2013 at 10:03 amI 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!
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:50 amThanks Alexa
writing2reality says
April 18, 2013 at 10:15 amWhat 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!
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therandompath says
April 18, 2013 at 10:20 amSorry for your loss Michelle. Hang in there today!!! *hugs*
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:50 amThanks girl
Ashlee says
April 18, 2013 at 10:21 amThinking of you today, Michelle! I love seeing the pics you post of your dad.
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:50 amThanks Ashlee!
plantingourpennies says
April 18, 2013 at 10:29 amI think honoring your dad by focusing on enjoying life is a pretty spectacular way to do it.
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Canadianbudgetbinder says
April 18, 2013 at 11:18 amLosing 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!
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:50 amI wish we could skype heaven 🙂
joellarsgaard says
April 18, 2013 at 12:35 pmSorry about your dad Michelle. Its great that you have such wonderful pictures to remember him with. The one you posted is fantastic.
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:51 amThanks!
morgaine80 says
April 18, 2013 at 12:54 pmVery 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.
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:51 amI'm sorry 🙁
Holly says
April 18, 2013 at 1:17 pmI'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
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:51 amI LOVE this photo 🙂
brickbybrickinvesting2012 says
April 18, 2013 at 1:25 pmSorry to hear about your dad, it's amazing that your dad was by the pyramids on horseback!
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:51 am🙂
Kyle@DebtFreeDiaries says
April 18, 2013 at 3:28 pmThis 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. 🙂
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:51 amGreat idea!
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.
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:51 amThanks
Justin says
April 18, 2013 at 7:49 pmThat is an awesome photo. From what you say about him, your father really knew how to enjoy life.
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:51 amThanks justin
Mike@WeOnlyDoThisOnc says
April 18, 2013 at 8:41 pmMy condolences. He certainly seems like an amazing character. Glad to hear about a continued love of travel.
LivingDFRocks! says
April 18, 2013 at 9:10 pmMy 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!
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:52 amThanks 🙂
studentdebtsurvivor says
April 18, 2013 at 9:50 pmWhat 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 🙂
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MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:52 amI definitely need to work on living life to the fullest 🙂
Michelle says
April 18, 2013 at 10:26 pmSending you a huge hug!
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:52 amThanks Michelle!
Diane says
April 18, 2013 at 11:21 pmMy 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!
MakingSenseofCents says
April 19, 2013 at 11:52 amI agree Diane! The pain NEVER goes away.
Tie the Money Knot says
April 19, 2013 at 3:42 pmThanks 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.
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AmericanDebtProject says
April 19, 2013 at 10:22 pmThank 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.