My name is Uale Omar Tofilau, and I lost my dad when I was just 17. It was a week that still echoes in my heart—a week where Sunday marked Father's Day. 

A day that was supposed to be filled with love and celebration turned into one of the most challenging moments of my life.

My dad was more than just a father to me; he was my role model, my guide, and the person I aspired to be like in every step I took. Every decision he made, every action he performed, I watched closely, hoping that one day I could be even half the man he was. His presence was my strength, his wisdom my compass.

But when he passed away, I felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me. How could life go on without him? How could I continue when the person I wanted to be like was no longer there to show me the way?

It’s a heavy burden to carry, losing a dad at such a young age. There are moments when I see other kids laughing, playing, and enjoying time with their fathers, and I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy deep inside. It’s hard not to wonder, "Why me? Where’s my dad?"

But as time passed, I realized something important—life does not end at 17. It doesn’t end with the loss of my dad. There’s so much more to explore, so many more paths to walk. I may not have my dad beside me, but I carry his lessons, his love, and his spirit within me. He is in every decision I make, every goal I strive for, and every challenge I overcome.

Losing a dad doesn’t mean losing yourself. It means finding new strength, new purpose, and new ways to honor his memory. It means standing tall, even when it’s hard, and knowing that you have the power to continue his legacy in your own way.

To everyone who has lost their dad at a young age, I want to say—you're not alone. We may not have our dads with us physically, but their love and lessons live on in us. We’ve got this, and God will always have our back, guiding us as our fathers once did.

Life goes on, and so do we. We carry them with us, in our hearts, every step of the way.