It was 2022 when I received the worst news in my life. Little did I know that 2022 and half of 2023 would follow suit.

In December 2022, my father was diagnosed with Stage 3C colon cancer, which was one step away from metastatic cancer, which is cancer that spreads to other organs of the body.

The moment I received the news about my father having cancer, everything became distant, almost like the feeling right when you are about to faint and everything gets dark and all the noise around you drowns out.

The doctors could not find the cancer at first, even though my father had consistent and severe stomach pains. At first, they diagnosed him with Crohn’s disease, which even though it isn’t great, anything is better than the dreaded C word (cancer). I was so frustrated that the doctors took so long to find the cancer.

My father had surgery where doctors removed 11 inches of his colon, and he was admitted to the hospital during the week of Christmas. I was worried sick the whole time, constantly playing out worst-case scenarios in my head and thinking of everything that could go wrong until anxiety consumes me.

After losing my grandpa (on my father’s side) in February 2021 due to the same disease that millions die from each year (cancer), I couldn’t help but think “what if my father dies too?” I wasn’t intentionally a negative thinker, but I couldn’t help it.

The worst part was that during this time, I was still attending classes and staying in DeKalb – instead of LaSalle where I am from – so I wasn’t able to be with my father, mother or sister. The constant worrying day-to-day and not being able to be at home with my family killed me inside.

After many months of going through chemotherapy, I’m happy to say that my father is in remission. However, that anxiety and worry still remains knowing the cancer could come back at any time, since my father has to be in remission for five years in order to officially be cancer-free.

If I have learned anything from this difficult period in my life, it’s to never take life for granted. Even though it may be common sense and a rather simple message, I hold it close to my heart. I’ve also cherished every moment spent with family and friends. Life’s too short and you never know when someone’s day on Earth will be their last. Cherish every moment of life and every memory made with the people you love.