If The Sky Falls

Losing my dad at an early age left me with memories that feel like treasures, small pieces of him that I carry with me every day. One of my clearest memories was his reassuring promise: "If the sky falls, I will hold it up for you." Those words were his way of saying he'd always be there for me, no matter what life threw my way. He was my protector and best friend, and in every memory, he was right there, with that steadfast love guiding me forward. From early morning jogs to our afternoons at McDonald’s, his presence remains vibrant in the details of my childhood.

One of my favorite memories with him involved our dog, a playful and energetic German Shepherd named King Pin. I have no complaint of the name but I'd rather name it... Brownie, Scooby or JJ.

King Pin was more than just a pet; he was family. Early in the mornings, my dad would wake me up before the sun had fully risen, and we would go jogging together with King Pin by our side. The three of us moved like a little team, with King Pin sprinting ahead and then looping back to check on us. Those morning jogs weren’t just about exercise—they were bonding moments, where my dad would share stories and teach me little life lessons, often in the form of his own childhood memories.He was a trouble maker just as I am. He was trouble and I myself was his little trouble.

After those morning runs, we’d ride our bikes around the borough, a small ritual that became a tradition. My dad had gifted me my first bike, and it felt like a ticket to freedom. He’d ride alongside me, always keeping a watchful eye. The thrill of the wind against my face and the occasional race between us made those bike rides unforgettable. He’d let me win sometimes, cheering me on with a grin that made me feel like I could conquer anything. My dad made the ordinary extraordinary, and every moment felt like an adventure.

One summer, he took me to an English Conversation and Etiquette workshop class,, a memory I cherish to this day. At the end of each day, he’d pick me up, and we’d head to McDonald’s as a treat for all my hard work. I remember the smell of fries filling the car, and my dad’s laughter as he joked about how much ketchup I’d pile on everything. He had a way of making even the smallest celebrations feel special. And on one of those afternoons, he surprised me by buying a Michael Jackson CD, knowing how much I loved music. We played it on the way home, his fingers tapping the steering wheel in time to the beat, both of us singing along with joy that made me feel invincible.

These memories are like snapshots, little glimpses of a time filled with love, laughter, and a father’s promise to be there for me always. 

Though he’s gone, his words and the memories we shared continue to lift me, even when life feels so heavy and unbearably weary. He taught me that love doesn’t vanish, and in every memory of King Pin, our bike rides, and our favorite meals at McDonald’s, I feel his presence.

As I grew older, those memories became my guiding light. Each moment with my dad felt like a lesson that would come back to me when I needed it most. 

Growing up with these memories, I learned that love can be timeless, a force that stays with us no matter where life leads. 

Now, whenever I take an early morning jog, I feel him with me, running alongside in spirit, guiding me forward with that steady presence. Each time I ride a bike or hear an old Michael Jackson song, it feels like a small reunion, a reminder of the joy and comfort he left me. His influence has shaped my resilience, my compassion, and my ability to find beauty in life’s simplest moments. 

He may not be here in person, but his strength, humor, and love are still the foundation I stand on. My dad's promise echoes in my heart, a quiet reminder that no matter what life brings, I will always have him by my side, holding up the sky just for me, his little T-ball.

I, Empress