I found myself sitting in a hospital waiting room one sunny afternoon. Walking back and forth waiting for news of any kind. Nothing entertained my mind like what I was about to hear. When my mother came out and told me the news, tears streamed down my face. That's when I realized something I would cherish for the rest of my life. We must never take our time for granted; we never know what the future holds for us. Time sneaks up on you more than we all think sometimes. I distinctly remember how we came to find out that my father had cancer. Three Thanksgivings ago she was constantly vomiting, it wasn't a normal flu, it was violent and projectile. My father didn't even eat in front of the family on Thanksgiving, he was afraid of getting sick. Sometimes my father literally had to run to the bathroom. People asked me what was going on and I honestly didn't have the answer, we had no idea that it would be anything serious. I would wake up in the middle of the night to the sounds of my father getting sick in his room. Upon entering his room to see what was wrong, I found him with both hands on the sink dizzy, from constant vomiting. One morning I looked at my dad and I could tell he was starting to lose weight faster than before; this went on for about two or three weeks when I finally had to drag my father to the doctor. I said, “Dad, one way or another you're going to the doctor.” His response was that he knew it was time, but he could tell something was wrong. I was always so scared because I slept like a log. I never wanted to sleep despite him calling my name if he needed help, that was one of my biggest fears. On the day of my father's appointment, an oscilloscope was immediately prepared for him, which would pass through his body... through the paper... the extraordinary bond I shared with my father. My father was without a doubt my hero, he went through a lot but never gave up, he continues to amaze me every single day. Knowing that someone went through such pain and agony just to be there for you as long as possible is one of the most selfless things in this world. Exactly one month after the surgery, my father died from a hemorrhage. My father was on treatment and there was no cancer in his body when he died. I believe my father having cancer changed his life in more ways than one. My father gained faith, something he had struggled with since he was younger. I believe everything happens for a reason, we don't always know those reasons but that's the whole point of life. He taught me to see the light in the darkness, the good in the bad. I know my dad is in a great place now, there's no doubt in my mind.