Life is constantly throwing things at us, whether it be good or bad, that can alter how we think and feel from that moment on. Our perspectives are forever changing as we go through these hardships and experiences in life, and they help shape who we are. Of the many experiences in my lifetime that have shaped or changed my perspective, one that stands out to me is an event that occured in August of 2015.

Coming up this summer is the five year anniversary of when my dad lost vision in his left eye due to a retinal artery occlusion, which was a blood clot in his main retinal artery that killed the cells that help him see. In short, he had a painless stroke that immediately changed his life. The luck he experienced was incredible, because if that blood clot was even a millimeter away from where it occurred, he would have died instantly; however, he felt nothing, and has been able to continue living a somewhat normal life. 

I was 15 and at my friends birthday party when I got a call from my Grandfather saying my dad was in the hospital and he was coming to pick me up. At the time they were still doing tests, but from what I was told, everything was going to be fine. While my siblings and I were confused but mostly unbothered, my mom was at the hospital thinking that my dad would no longer be able to work or drive. 

Although in that moment I did not think much, I often look back on what could have happened. That day I could have lost my father, one of the most important and influential people in my life. To think about that is unbearable, and the newfound appreciation I have for my family is massive. This experience reminded me that anything can happen unannounced and in a second you could lose everything. My dad’s strength in going through this, has taught me to not sit around and complain about the struggles you face, but to just be grateful to be alive. I remind myself everyday to make sure my loved ones know how much they mean to me. I try to embrace moments of joy and fight through moments of heartache, because it could be taken from you instantly.