A Year Without My Father: Rising Through the Shadows

On November 18, 2023, I lost my father. It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed, and yet the pain of his absence still feels so fresh. My dad wasn’t just a father—he was a fighter, a survivor, and most of all, an inspiration. His life was a testament to the power of perseverance and redemption, especially in the face of darkness.

Growing up, I saw him wrestle with demons I couldn’t fully understand. Addiction and self-doubt haunted him, shaping his days in ways that often left him weary and lost. As a child, I couldn’t comprehend the weight he carried, but I watched him stumble, fall, and—most importantly—get back up again.

His journey wasn’t linear. It was messy, painful, and riddled with setbacks, but it was also filled with moments of quiet strength and resilience. He fought his way through the haze of alcohol and drugs, battling not just for himself, but for us—his family. There were days when it seemed like the demons would win, but somehow, in the darkest of nights, my father always found a way to rise again.

He found strength in his faith and, through it, a path to healing. That strength wasn’t just a gift to him; it was a lesson to me. He taught me that life doesn’t come with a neat script. We break, we fall, and sometimes, we feel lost beyond repair. But in those moments, it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to let the tears fall. What matters is not how many times we stumble, but the courage to stand again after each fall.

My father’s life showed me that no matter how far down you go, it’s never too late to rise again.

As I reflect on this past year without him, I miss the man he was and the lessons he imparted. I miss his laughter, his advice, and even his stubbornness. But more than anything, I miss his presence. He was, in the end, a beacon of hope—a reminder that we are all capable of rising, of fighting, and of overcoming our darkest struggles.

Dad,

I hope you know how proud I am of you. Your fight, your resilience, and your love will forever be a part of me. You may be gone, but the strength you left behind will live on in me.

I love you, and I miss you every day.

Written and Performed by Bobby J Ross

Written by Chris Ross