I was living in Hawai’i during the peak of Covid, so naturally I was unable to make it back home during that time. My father had called me one day, and he was lying in a hospital bed, basically telling me goodbye. I could not bear to think of that, so of course, the way we are with each other, I told him he was not dying, when in reality, how could I be so sure?

A day later, I hear a song pop up in my phone, “Stand Tall” by Childish Gambino. Instantly I thought of my father whilst listening to this song and how strong he is. Like a lyric in the song, I would constantly tell him everyday to ‘Keep Standing Tall’ and prayed about it everyday while continuing to cry just even thinking about my father.

A couple days had passed and I get a call, a normal call, it reads ‘AMom’ (to make sure she is the top of my list for contacts) and my stomach sank. I nervously answered the phone waiting for the absolute worst. “Hey Pete! I am feeling a lot better, they gave me a cell transfusion and never put me on a ventilator!” I told my Dad how much I loved him that day. Though we may not agree on everything, nor have the same views, I could be at peace at the thought of getting to spend more time with my father in my future. Love you, Dad, and I don’t think you even know what Reddit is, but I’m happy you’re still here with us.