The Last of Those Days

Life works in mysterious ways is something I’ve heard in my life. And although we may not understand how now, eventually, the answer comes to us.
 
The day my father died I remember his last words to me. Laying on his bed, hardly breathing and with not enough strength to keep his eyes open, he whispered almost mumbling, “Life is wonderful, only if you know how to live it.”
 
That afternoon my dad passed away. At that moment, those words went in one ear and came right out from the other one. My head was not in the right place in that phase of my life. I had been in drugs for most of my life. It was a vicious cycle that I couldn’t get out. And the biggest reason I couldn’t get out was because I didn’t think I was in that cycle.
 
My dad knew I was in it for a long time. It was hard for him to accept the reality his only son was going through. But although he didn’t know how to exactly help me, he was there, nonetheless. Before he got sick, and before I knew I was going to be a dad, he rescued me from the streets when I was all messed up. Obviously, I don’t remember a thing. But what I do remember, was hearing him cry. He thought I was asleep. And I kind of was, but even though I was half unconscious, I heard him. And I will never forget that.
 
My father had tried for the longest time to help me quit the vices that were destroying my life, but I thought I knew more than him and never paid attention to his words. I so regret that state of mind I had, but I guess that, not accepting it, was part of the way. 
 
Sometimes I’d cry thinking about my dad. I loved my father so much more that I could ever tell him. I’d think that if my father’s effort to help me get out of that vice world was not working, then nothing would ever work. But like I said, life works in mysterious ways. Right after his passing, I got the biggest news I ever got; I was going to be a dad.
 
Of course, I got so happy I went and celebrated, so I got drunk, high, and who knows what else. A few months after, my daughter was born, and my life was changed forever. I held her in my arms for the entire night and an incredible bond was made. I was hooked into this little girl’s life just how she was part of mine now. But my vices kept on going, it was like there was no way out. 
 
But they day came when my life changed, literally forever. It was her first birthday when I was so happy I, of course, went my usual ways of celebrating. But, in between the celebration and the partying, part of my mind thought, I haven’t bought a gift for her. Immediately, I started to look for one, only until I realized I didn’t have enough money to buy her even a piece of gum. I was broke. As a matter of fact, I had spent, like always, my money to the last cent until my bank account was in red. 
 
Right there and then, even with all the things I was on, the thought that I had failed as a father made me sober instantly. And there, feeling my dad very close to me, I promised I would never be in that position again. Not ever again. 
 
Since then, I have been sober. Now, my daughter just graduated from high school and is about to start college by the end of summer. Every day is an adventure and a mission, but my most valuable prize is being able to live to see my daughter grow. I would be lying if I say it was easy. It was not at all. It was maybe one of the hardest battles of my life. But being next to her to help her throughout her life, just how my father did with me, is what keeps me going. 
 
After all, my dad was right. Life is wonderful, only if we know how to live it.