I graduated without my dad being here

I lost my dad 4 years ago and now I graduated my first year in high school with surprisingly good grades. Noone really cares about it and I know he would. I don’t know why I am posting this but I saw this sub and joined cause I like reading this stuff and feel like I have a father figure. I know it’s not really the best topic to post here but I just wanted to feel like I have a dad again. You guys are so cool and your kids are lucky to have you.

_ Edit: Thank you so much for your comments. I didn’t expect that amount of support it means the world to me🩷I wrote it felling really low with this end of the school year and father’s day coming up(in my country it’s in 2 days) Im trying to respond to every single one and Im reading all of them. Im sorry if I didn’t respond to some but they keep popping up and then disappear and I can’t find them but I saw them! You really made me cry happy tears. Thank you, you guys are awsome

(Im a girl to clarify)

in dadditby Better-Tone2189

974

98%

16d

15d

ozzadar

631

16d

the internet dads are proud of you!

Better-Tone2189

141

16d

Thank you so much 🩷It means a lot

Chambellan

157

16d

Now, go clean your room!

Better-Tone2189

16d

It is kinda messy right now but I will!

xandaar337

15d

And stop leaving the lights on!

NickFerg

15d

And don’t touch the thermostat.

Serpacorp

15d

The holiest of commandments.

booksfoodfun

14d

And close the door! I’m not paying to cool the entire block!

emmasdad01

171

16d

Congrats dude! Keep up the good work.

Better-Tone2189

16d

I will!

JackfruitGreedy1982

154

16d

We are proud of you!

Better-Tone2189

16d

🫶

Kd705

151

16d

You still made him a proud father! He's just not here to tell you. Sorry for your loss and keep making him proud 🙏

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much for this🫶

diatho

16d

We care. Good job.

InterestingHippo7524

118

16d

Your dad is absolutely proud of you, no doubt about it! We are proud and happy for you, too. Anytime you have a question or have something you want to get off your chest, feel free to post here. We're glad to help, my friend.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🫶

scienceizfake

15d

He’s not kidding. /r/daddit is the most wholesome place on the internet. We’re happy to be here for you and all the kiddos.

Better-Tone2189

15d

It was a really great decision to post this, I had good cry reading this and Im so grateful 🩷

scienceizfake

15d

As someone who lost a parent young, I’m glad this community exists and you found it. I had a cry on this thread too. Congrats on the grades. Keep it up!

nohopeforhomosapiens

16d

Absolutely true. I never got to know my bio dad, I was adopted and he is dead, but I still want to think I can make him proud. And I hope that my own children know I am proud of them even if I die early and I can't congratulate them.

Calamity-Jones

16d

Surprisingly good? If you put in lots of hard work, it shouldn't be surprising. Well done! We're all proud of you - what's your next step?

Better-Tone2189

16d

It was a big surprise cause I struggled a lot, my friends had better grades than me in many ways but I have no Idea how it turned out better than them

nakmuay18

16d

Don't compare yourself to other people. So long as you and look in the mirror and know you did the best you can do, that's enough.

Congrats, now keep it up. You're at the very first stages of making a beautiful life for yourself!

RideTheDownturn

16d

The only one you should compare yourself to is yourself buddy! One day at a time, tiniest of improvements every day... just the tiniest!

Before you know it, you're smashing your wildest goals!

Keep at it buddy, you got this! One step at a time, one tiny improvement every day.

Better-Tone2189

16d

🫶

RaphaelMcFlurry

16d

Never compare yourself to others. I know it’s easier said then done but we all have our struggled behind closed doors. All that’s important is that you keep trying and never give up. Your dad would be proud of you. I know we all are ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

stlkatherine

15d

Listen to Calamity Dad: if you work hard and earn something, that’s not luck. You struggled and came out on top. The words you are looking for are these, “I am proud of myself!”. Here is a lurking gramma hug for you, my lad. ( hug ).

Better-Tone2189

15d

🩷

fasurf

16d

Anytime you need help or advice.. this group has your back. You should be proud. Good work!

Bradtothebone79

16d

r/askdad is a thing too although i haven’t been in it for a minute so hopefully it’s still a good resource. Keep up the good grades!

Difficult_Let_1953

16d

Still pretty good, though it goes off topic sometimes.

Mono275

15d

So just like a normal dad :P

Zestocalypse

15d

Wouldn't be the same if it didn't. Can't tell you the amount of random tangents I've sat through while holding the flashlight for my old man. Though I suppose that beats being yelled at for holding the flashlight wrong...

I should call him.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much, it really means a lot. I never received so much support from anyone

Grey_Matter1298

16d

I didn’t know your dad, but he seems like he was a great dad if you miss him and would be proud of your grades.

Not sure how helpful this is, but my dad lost his dad at 19. I never met the man, but my dad still turned out to be an incredible father/man without having someone there to show him how to be that.

You’ve faced a loss that a lot of people your age have never been through. I’m sure there will be some days that it’s hard not having him there. My recommendation to you is to continue living a life where you will find happiness, success and fulfillment. Surround yourself with mentors. People who have gone through life and have some wisdom under their belt to be able guide you in moments where you feel you need the direction of an older wiser you.

Keep posting on here all of your successes and accomplishments. Im sure so many of us would love to continue to see you grow and accomplish what you want in life. I’m excited to see what you’re made of kid!

Better-Tone2189

16d

He was a great guy, he was so good at everything knew a lot. If he was there he would for sure help me with homework and math. I do miss him every day and not gonna lie it’s scary to grow up without him

mmmmmyee

16d

You’re doing great op!

stlkatherine

15d

Going to repeat what Grey Matter said: while he was here, he did good work. He developed and groomed an outstanding human bean. Run with what he gave you.

Membership_Fine

15d

I feel that brother. Keep up the good work. I lost my dad at 12. I’m now 30 with 3 kids of my own. The thought of not having my father still scares me a bit but you become comfortable with it and settle in time. One day at a time. You will find peace and with all this hard work you are doing I’m betting you have a prosperous life. We’re all rooting for you here man. Be proud of your accomplishment! We sure are!

mhart1991

16d

Congrats, well done! Keep up the good work!

Professional_Sun2203

16d

Congrats OP! I'll have a beer to celebrate your big win!

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you, have a nice beer!

this_place_stinks

15d

I think it’d only be right if all of us dads have a beer to celebrate

FncMadeMeDoThis

2m 1m

16d

Im a teacher and nothing brings me greater joy than a student doing well after improving. You have the highest approval i can give online, and I hope you allow yourself to be proud of it as well.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much it means the world🩷

MedChemist464

16d

Hey man - I am proud of you. Good on you for the good grades, Whatever you do next, be it college a trade or directly into the workforce - remember that we're all proud of you, and we'd love to see an update in the future that make us even more proud.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much 🩷. It’s really helpful and I will definitely do even better next year!

jbones330

16d

Way to go! Just because he’s not here doesn’t mean he’s not proud! Keep up the good work and play the long game, it’s definitely what he wants for you!

Better-Tone2189

16d

🫶🫶

Vivid_Injury5090

16d

Congrats, buddy! Getting good grades your first year of HS is tough because it's a big transition. What was your favorite subject?

Better-Tone2189

16d

Definitely social duties?(I don’t know the word in English), my teacher is awesome and sometimes gave me a higher grade because he saw that I tried to

Anechoic_Brain

16d

You write in English better than many native speakers your age. You seem like a smart kid, with time and persistence I have no doubt you'll find plenty of success in life.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🫶. Im putting a lot of work in English cause I will need it the most in life and it means a lot🩷

oshitsuperciberg

16d

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_studies Is it this?

Better-Tone2189

16d

Now you got me thinking but I think this is it. We learn about politics, kinda history and the law

Vivid_Injury5090

15d

Civics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civics also night be a good translation.

UnCaminoHastaVos

16d

Congrats, dude!

garmzon

16d

The effort is going to be worth it. I’m sure your dad is proud. We all are.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much 🩷🩷

Cautious_Original_76

16d

Keep crushing it dude! Super proud of you

Better-Tone2189

16d

🫶🫶

Lvwr87

One of Millons of rad dads

16d

Hey, we won’t replace your dad. But I know damn sure he is proud of you and smiling in heaven if you need any help with anything or just someone to talk to we are here.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🫶

Lvwr87

One of Millons of rad dads

16d

No problem I mean it, though if you need anything we are here for you

High_voltage025

16d

Keep going kid! Your dad will definitely be proud (lost my dad couple of years ago to pancreatic cancer and still missing him a lot)

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you, he died because of cancer too. Im sorry for your loss

High_voltage025

16d

Our dads are watching us from the top, gotta do them proud

Better-Tone2189

16d

Yes, definitely

nintendo_dad

16d

Congrats! That's a great accomplishment. r/daddit is proud of you

MrTyranius

16d

Great job kid. As others have said, the Internet dads are very proud of you. Also if you want more Internet dad support, check out r/dadforaminute as that's another great community like this one. Also its sister sub r/momforaminute if you need/want to talk to the other gender parents and have that support as well. You got this, and always come back if/when you need more advice or support.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you for your words and recommendations 🩷

Eatsomeflimflams

16d

You did it! Great job making good grades kid. I know it was hard for you sometimes but you kept after it. We’re all proud of you.

Better-Tone2189

16d

🩷

dchawk82

16d

Congrats! Keep working hard. We're proud of you!

Better-Tone2189

16d

🫶🫶

SicTransitEtc

16d

Congratulations. You're making him proud.

moviemerc

16d

Congratulations. You are on your way to great things. I'm sure he would be hella proud of you.

Midknight81

16d

Tell you what, there's a whole lot of dads here that are wicked proud of you. Good job. Keep making him proud.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much 🩷

Tartalacame

4 younglings

16d

You may also find support in /r/DadForAMinute

Better-Tone2189

16d

Joined!

PowPowPowerCrystal

16d

Wonderful news on your grades! What was your favorite subject?

Better-Tone2189

16d

Social duties (? I don’t know the word in English but it’s where you learn about society and politics stuff)

PowPowPowerCrystal

16d

Sounds like a combination of what we would call social studies and civics in the US. That’s great - I hope you follow that interest and get involved in your community!

Bevolicher

16d

My dad will be missing the birth of his second grand child and only grandson. I know he’s proud of me and I try to make him proud every day. Keep on trucking brother.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much 🫶. And congratulations to your new baby!

LowSea86

16d

Congratulations on a huge accomplishment during a difficult time. Use this as further motivation to excel in life. You’re already winning.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🫶

The-Big-Shitsky

16d

Good job! I’m glad you know your dad would be proud, and don’t forget to be proud of yourself! Keep it up man

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🫶. He missed a lot and during the time he died I really struggled with physics class and math but now it’s going great and I know he would be proud that I did it myself

nfssmith

16d

Good job kiddo!

JayWDL

16d

Way to go! I am so impressed by you. You sound like a chip off the old block.

Keep up the great work. When things get hard, remember that you are capable of more than you think.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much 🩷

mtcwby

16d

Your dad would be proud of you. I'll speak for all of us when I say welcome and feel free to ask away.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🩷

PlayerOne2016

daddy blogger 👨🏼‍💻

16d

Your mother and all of us are proud of your sticking it through. We know high school is tough, but it can be equally rewarding. Take a little time for yourself, travel a little. Know that your pops was equally as proud of you during his time on earth. No one can take that away from you. Anytime you need a dad hug, don't be afraid to ask a friends dad. We live for moments where we can impact a young life... even if it's for a moment. Keep your head up, sport.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🩷. Although my mom is not really proud, I did disappoint her this year but Im thankful for the amount of support I got

PlayerOne2016

daddy blogger 👨🏼‍💻

16d

That's her job. When you make mistakes, she's supposed to let you know how it makes her feel. But deep down, she's proud. Now let's start looking ahead. What are you doing now? What's next on the horizon?

Better-Tone2189

15d

Thank you🫶, my mom is just like this she doesn’t really like me. Right now, I am trying to clean my room and watch modern family. And on the summer break, I will be going out a lot I hope.

MrBHVAC

16d

Sounds like your dad is still with you so glad you had him in person while you did. Keep up the good work, we’re proud of you for how hard you’ve worked to overcome a difficult situation

walkinbliss

15d

Congratulations on this accomplishment! Keep moving forward and making your father proud. We are here to support you and offer advice/guidance when needed. You are not alone and have a many internet dads standing ready. Wishing you all the best.

A poem about loss may offer some words of comfort. “Whatever we were to each other That we are still Call me by my old familiar name Speak to me in the easy way you always used Put no difference into your tone Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow Laugh as we always laughed At the little jokes we always enjoyed together Play, smile, think of me, pray for me Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.”

Better-Tone2189

15d

🩷

NoNormals

16d

Congrats! Keep it up sport. Don't forget to take it easy sometimes

ComputerGeek485

16d

Your dad is very proud of you! You having that voice or notion in your head knowing that he would have been is what I would hope my daughter would have if something happened to me.

Having just had a closer brush than I realized at the time with not being here for my daughter, I recorded videos for her and my wife as just in case and the key point was how much I loved them and how proud of my daughter I was for the person she is.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much 🩷. I think one of the best things you can do for your daughter is record yourself, with time you forget the voice of the person you lost and it hurts in a different way. She’s lucky to have you

cooleymahn

16d

Proud of you!

Better-Tone2189

16d

🫶

tilt-a-whirly-gig

29f, 24m, and 12m

16d

Nice job on the grades, kid. But this doesn't get you out of mowing the lawn ...

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🫶. I will get this done tomorrow, or tomorrow tomorrow

Difficult_Let_1953

16d

Your dad would definitely be proud! Grades are important, but what’s more important is that you are putting in the work and actually learning. We need some smart kids like you to take over in a future that really isn’t that far away! Keep being awesome, kid.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much, I never taught that I would be bawling my eyes out over a reddit post. It means a lot

RichieTheAdult

16d

That's awesome and not a small feat. The effort you put in now will matter, and you'll learn things about yourself outside of the class material. This reddit dad is proud of you.

Better-Tone2189

16d

🫶

Opening-Comment2530

16d

Congratulations, buddy! Im sure he's watching proudly from Heaven.

Better-Tone2189

16d

🩷

tabgok

16d

Making me tear up, can't imagine having my kids go through HS without me there to support them!

Keep it up!

hitokirizac

16d

I don't know you, but I'm proud of you. Keep it up, I'll be looking forward to hearing about you graduating!

seaybl

16d

You’re doing great!

When I went back to college to get my MBA my step-dad paid for my first semester. I finished my MBA in 2021. Cancer claimed my step- dad’s life in 2017 and I know he’d be proud of me for completing that. I understand your position as well as if not better than most. We are proud of you and it might not mean a lot from a random stranger on reddit, but keep up the good work.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you, my dad died because of cancer too. Fuck cancer sorry for your loss

just-call-me-nothing

16d

Keep it pushing my guy!

If you want to get a good head start on building your credit I recommend reading The 800 blueprint by Anthony Daniels. Be responsible with it if you start doing it, start paving the way for your future.

IveAlreadyWon

16d

Your dad was lucky to have you, too. I can say this with utmost certainty that he would be incredibly proud of you, and his life was made better with you in it.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much, that hit hard thank you 🩷

beaushaw

Son 13 Daughter 17. I've had sex at least twice.

16d

Good job, I am proud of you!

I once heard that you will never completely lose a parent you have known for a good portion of your life.

Have you ever thought about something and thought my dad would say or do X about this situation? If you have he has left a big enough mark on you that you will never completely lose him.

His thoughts, his advice, his memories, his words are all in your brain. They will be there forever. If you ever need advice from him just think what he would say about this situation. You will probably find you know what he would say.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much 🩷. I’ll have to live longer than I known him and it’s scary. I often caught myself with that thoughts what would he do and sometimes it really helps

CiloTA

16d

You’re doing great, keep it up!

Crocs_n_Glocks

16d

Good job bud! I'm proud of you, but not as proud as your dad is though.

jimtow28

3 and 2

16d

The Council of Dads accepts your post, and are collectively proud of you.

Better-Tone2189

16d

🫶

mustardposey

16d

Good job kid. Stay focused and have fun. Proud of you

Hot_Ad_815

16d

Good job kid, I lost my dad when I was 22, older than you were but I still understand what it's like to miss out on so much with him...

I graduated college yesterday, I can imagine the way he would've looked at me, and I like to believe he was.

Godspeed.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much 🫶. Im sure he was also hella proud of you. It sucks that he’s not there and should be seeing that.

donlapalma

16d

Keep up the hard work and success. Do it in honor of your dad. His spirit lives on through you.

Thanks for being here. Happy to have you.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you so much🩷

Majestic_Jackass

16d

Sorry about your circumstance. I’m sure that there are a variety of beliefs about death here. I spend a lot of time thinking about what moments in my daughter’s life I’ll miss when I hopefully go before her. At the end of it all I hope I leave her in a position to be her best self and I’m sure you’re serving your father’s memory well.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you, I don’t really know what to believe about death but I like to think that he’s just here on earth. You care about what would happen to your daughter when you’re gone and that’s what makes you a really good dad. Im sure she’ll have plenty great memories with you

Alarmed-Marketing616

16d

Listen, you sounds like an incredible kid. Your dad is absolutely proud of you, and so are we. Congratulations on finishing your first year of high school! Enjoy the summer and recognize that your grades are not "surprisingly high", they're high because of your hard work and being bright. Keep it up next year!l. I hope to see this same post again each year....you deserve your flowers!

iLeefull

16d

Congrats man!

Xminus6

16d

My elder daughter is your age and just finished her freshman year too. Your dad would have been very proud of you I’m sure. I’m proud of her and of you for dealing with such a difficult time.

Fatigue-Error

16d

Hey, I’m a dad myself and I’m proud of you! High school isn’t easy and when you have to first start taking responsibility for yourself. You’re already on the right path. Stick to it, and it will make a life long difference.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🩷. It is a very unique experience that just happens once in a lifetime

Smeeble09

16d

Doing well in school is a very good topic, never be ashamed of doing well at something.

When my 6yo is proud telling me about doing well at a maths quiz or alike I'm proud of her too, doesn't matter the current educational level that it's at.

Well done.

redballooon

16d

Hey graduation is a big deal. Congratulations on this important life step!

bigbadsubaru

16d

Congrats :) I know it’s been said but he’s absolutely proud of you and all of us are as well :)

bigman30685

16d

I was in the same boat but my mom had passed in a sudden tragedy.

I always tried to make her proud with whatever I did, even though she wasn’t there. Now I have one of my own and only wish my daughter could have met her.

Keep working hard. He knows…

Better-Tone2189

16d

🩷. Sorry for your loss, losing a parent is something else that can’t be described

StreetCoyote6

16d

Congrats big dawg!

ttatx35

16d

I don’t know you, but I love you dude. So proud of you. I’m sure your dad was there at your graduation too. Keep up the good work! Glad you’re here in this sub now so one day if you decide to be a dad in the future you’ll know (kinda) what to do. And if you have any questions, we’ll still be here. 👍

jesus_chen

16d

We’re proud of you!

gilgobeachslayer

16d

He would’ve been proud, champ.

Saltycookiebits

16d

Congrats! I'm sure you worked hard to get where you are. We're all proud of you!!

Better-Tone2189

16d

🫶

Traditional_Formal33

16d

I lost my dad too 4 years ago, and I know he would be proud of me too. You can take solace in that and remember a part of him lives on in you so be proud of yourself like he would be!

You did good kid, and I’m sure he would also be happy knowing he left an impression on you that inspires you to do great things

Mao_Kwikowski

16d

Keep up the great work!!!

Better-Tone2189

16d

I will!

Billybran

16d

I am proud of you, keep up the good work your dad would be proud too.

These posts are a good reminder to hug your kids and let them know how proud of them you are. Also a good reminder for us to take care of ourselves.

You'll be in our shoes one day.

nohopeforhomosapiens

16d

Don't worry, you can do anything you put your mind to. Wishing you the best OP and I am sure you will be back to update us in a year with more stellar info about how you're killing it. But even if you don't, just know that people Do care about you, your achievements, and that you get to determine where you go in life. Good luck and go clean your room. I'm off to go clean mine. You got this.

DKOS0

16d

Great job! Just know even if you don't get the best grades, it's not the end of the world. What matters is that you strive to do your best in whatever you do!

Kymaras

16d

You doing well in school is proof of how much your Dad loved you and did his best to raise you well.

RR50

16d

Congrats, I’m sure your dad would have been proud of you!! Since he’s not there today, have a virtual high five from all of us!!! Keep up the hard work, it’ll pay off in the long run!!

BigBobFro

16d

From all dads here:

Youre doing great and im sure your dad is proud of you! We are!

Also: i list my mom in college, and a few friends moms stepped in to be the “mom hug” when needed. If you havnt found that (dad hug when needed in your case), try. It helps.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🩷. Im sorry for your loss. I don’t think the dad hug when needed will work here but thank you for the recommendation

BigBobFro

16d

Having been that “dad as needed” for a few other young folks growing up with my oldest kid, only a few needed that hug and only a few times,.. but the hug was an example. You may need a “dad” for other things (boys learning how to shave for example). Reach out if you need. Many dads are more than willing to be a temporary surrogate here and there.

If not geographically prohibitive, just ask.

account_not_valid

16d

My dad died when I was 17, when I was in my last year of high school.

I miss him still, and wish he was here to see the family I've created.

I'm now older than he was when he died. What I carry with me is that every day might be my last - and that's not necessarily a negative thing.

It means that I'm acutely aware that the memories that my child and I are creating now are what she will carry with her after I'm gone. So I'm doing everything to make sure these are good memories.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🩷. You’re a good dad

account_not_valid

16d

Thanks. I appreciate that.

TheMoonDawg

🍰

Dad of 3 year old daughter

16d

We all care and are proud of your accomplishment! Keep it up!

NighPossible

16d

Good job son <3

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🫶 * daughter but son sounds pretty cool

NighPossible

15d

good job daughter

adv23

16d

Im proud of you!

accountnovelty

16d

Congratulations! Indeed, I'm sure he would be proud of you, and you can see all of the "dadditors" here are as well!

flash-bandicoot

16d

Excellent work, you should be proud of yourself. This is just the beginning. There will be a lot of times in life where you stumble. Please remember - you only fail if you stop moving forward. I'm a former wrestling coach and I always liked to tell my guys this one - "Remember, bravery is NOT the absence of fear. Bravery is being afraid and CHOOSING to move forward to face the challenge". Onwards!

A_Norse_Dude

16d

You did this without your dad and as a dad let me tell you; I know your dad would mad proud of you right now.

But hey. You still need to keep up the good work and I know you can. Keep fightin' buddy.

// A dad from Sweden

Better-Tone2189

15d

Thank you 🩷. Poland here!

ChurchofCaboose1

16d

Hey good job kid! Keep it up! Working hard to get good grades builds character.

Jottor

16d

You did alright, squirt.

Gingerfurrdjedi

16d

Congratulations son/daughter/person, we are proud of you!

Feel free to stop by this subreddit any time you want, there are a lot of great people here willing to advise you and we will always be here.

Better-Tone2189

16d

Thank you 🩷

Mattandjunk

16d

He would def be damn proud of you!! Keep working hard. What are your plans for the next step so that you can put yourself in the position to be a great dad yourself one day? (You def don’t have to know or have everything figured out yet, most of us don’t at your age, you just have to try things and not give up)

Maybe_once_more

15d

Good grades can be important for continuing education, but you have also proven you have the determination and work ethic to work hard. I'm proud of you, your father would be too, and you should be proud of yourself! Remember the dedication it took to perform well and the skills you learned, apply them to everything you want to do in life and you will succeed in a similar fashion. Congratulations!

bailuobo1

15d

Hi OP,

I lost my father when I was 17 (almost 20 years ago) and am now a dad.

First things first, as others have said, your dad would have been extremely proud of you. Never stop doing things that would make him proud. I asked myself that constantly and still do - would he have been proud of me graduating high school, then college, getting my first job, moving across the country, meeting my wife, travelling the world, and now having my first son. Now as a father, I know he would have... because I'm proud of every little thing that my kid does, no matter how silly or small it may seem.

You're 4 years out already, so you know that the pain of the loss doesn't really go away - you just learn to live with it. There's still very few days that go by where I don't think about him.

It's easier to talk about now and, if you're up for it, I suggest you try and find someone that you can talk to and tell them about your father - what type of person he was, what lessons he taught you, his favorite foods... whatever you remember about him. At least for me, it helps knowing that he will live on in people's minds beyond my own (and of course my immediate family). If you haven't yet, try to see if you can talk to a therapist as well.

Set goals in life that you think he'd be proud of. I remember clear as day something he said to me: "Life is like having a shit sandwich, the more bread (money) you get, the less shit you'll have to eat". He said it tongue in cheek, but there is some wisdom in it. He was a business owner and had a strong work ethic.

I made it a priority to do well in school and find a high paying career... more because I knew my mother would need support later in life (she was a stay at home Mom and struggled to provide for us after he passed). I know making money isn't the top priority - family and friends were and still are a big part of my life - but that goal combined with knowing he'd be proud of a strong work ethic set me up for success down the road. I'm now able to give my mother money each month so she doesn't need to work and I have enough to provide for my family and save for our future.

This doesn't have to be your path - I say this so you can dwell on what you think would make him proud and use that motivation to keep going and setting new goals.

I wish you the best in life, OP. Sending my love and admiration of your resiliency - you've got this.

StoicSmile-

16d

Lost my dad when I was 11, it sucks man. He would be so proud, congratulations and keep it up!!! End of high school is just the beginning, wish you the best.

User deleted comment

16d

cluesthecat

16d

Yeah, this is incredible work. We always knew you could do it, there was no doubt in our minds. But also, understand that it’s okay to fail. You may not always get good grades and that’s okay too. As long as you’re trying your best, you’re healthy, and you’re happy, that is all that matters.

Russ_T_Razor

16d

Congrats bud! That's a heck of an accomplishment! I'm proud of you!

I lost my mom 10 years ago and it's often my accomplishments that make me miss her the most. She would always make a big deal out of them. Even the small dumb stuff.

Again. Congrats my dude! Hope you're doing well

poonishapines

16d

Proud of your work and effort! Keep pushing but be proud of what you've accomplished.

KiloPro0202

15d

You have a great head on your shoulders, and the fact that you take pride in your work says a lot about you. Keep that up, we’re proud of you here for sure!

Zealousideal_Key_714

15d

Congrats! Good grades mean a lot to us Dad's, so you're serving him well despite his absence. It means he did well raising you.

Keep making him proud!

EDITED To add: "surprisingly good"? Yeah, probably because they've probably suffered due to your loss/pandemic, etc. Completely understandable, bud. I think these, "surprisingly good" grades might be a sign that you've moved forward and are heading in right direction. That takes time.

And, it's a huge accomplishment! Grades are likely just a reflection of your growth.

quaglandx3

15d

Good job on your grades!

Lost my dad 12 years ago, have had a lot of good things happen since and it still saddens me that I can’t share it with him.

antiBliss

15d

Well done! I’m proud of you and you should be proud of yourself.

allonsy_danny

15d

We're proud of you, and I know he is too.

MalnutritionMonkey

15d

I’m proud of you! Good work!

y2ketchup

15d

It is difficult for me to hear about tragedies like yours. I can't imagine losing by boys, or them losing me. I really appreciate you sharing how much his support and presence meant to you. It helps remind me that no matter how imperfect, being there is #1. Thank you.

ChiefMustacheOfficer

15d

Hey, /u/Better-Tone2189/ ,

Your dad would be proud of you whether or not you had good grades, I'd bet, but certainly he'd be proud that you persevered when it was hard. Your character is determined by how well you stick to your obligations even when they're hard, and that you stuck with your schooling when it would have been easy not to is a great testament to your father's character, I know he'd be proud to see that you're developing into a great person.

The internet dads are proud of you. And your dad would be, too.

SilverSorceress

15d

Internet mom here and not only are the internet dads here proud of you, but this internet mom is too! Keep up the grind and hard work.

satisfyingpoop

15d

We need all the good men we can get and it sounds like you’re well on your way to becoming one. Just keep doing the next right thing, be kind (especially when you don’t want to be), always stand up for yourself and those who can’t, have a firm handshake and open doors for strangers. And most importantly, know that all of us dads are rooting for you.

fortunate_son_1

15d

Dude, this is awesome. Internet dads are very proud of you. Finishing your first year of high school with good grades is huge. Congrats! Starting thinking about your future and plans after high school and come back to the sub for advice if you need it!

jKaw

15d

Happy for you & Congratulations! Keep it up, the sky is the limit.

iiMadlogger

15d

I lost my dad just last year. My daughter (my first child) was only 1 month old and he met her the day he passed. I can relate a bit on your dad being proud, cause every single day raising my baby i know hed be proud too and it sucks to not hear it/see it from him. Keep doing what your doing, and always try to atleast be proud of YOURSELF. Good luck !