Ellie F., Oakwood High School
The Choice of Change
Happiness isn’t something handed to you-it’s something you have to choose. It doesn’t mean you have to be perfect but learn to be grateful for those around you. Showing up and caring can impact others in ways you couldn’t imagine.
On April 3rd, 2025, I went home for lunch, as I did daily, but today was different; my mom, dad, and older sister were waiting for me. Confused, I met my sister’s beautiful jade eyes, only to find them full of tears. “Dad’s getting deployed.” One small sentence that had one of the biggest impacts on my life. Thinking about losing someone so close made me sick. Heartbroken, I struggled to return to school, tears running silently down my face, I felt as if I was receiving endless blows to my chest. I could have never imagined losing something like this.
A father is a key element to every family, a symbol of strength, devotion, and protection. My father is the most selfless yet determined person I have ever met. For the oldest, he had developed traits that defined him: patient, loving, and thoughtful. He knew from a young age he wanted to be in the military, fighting for the people he held so dearly. His presence always left people feeling better, even on their worst days; his charm filled any room, leaving a warm glow behind.
The day he left was hard on us all. Emotions raced through our house: anger, denial, and the eternal weight of sadness, heavily seated on everyone's shoulders. That night, I found a letter my dad had left me. Tears flooded my face as I traveled down the note, but I managed to smile. Realization set in, I couldn’t do much, but I could step up and smile. My dad had always remarked on my personality, and I knew this was what he would want.
Although some days were harder than others, I focused on imitating my father, striving to be positive. I turned away from the windy path of self-pity and became the loving figure I wanted my sisters to trust and turn to. This was a major change for me, and it took time to adjust, but deep in my heart, I knew this was what my dad would want. Day by day, I continued to make these efforts, and I felt a change. I wasn't the only one who noticed this switch; the vibes of our house changed. We found ways to stay connected with my dad, even visiting him once. The more blissful our family stayed, the shorter the days became. I could almost feel the beams of his smile.
Happiness is like a flame; it’s not the biggest or brightest, yet it stays alive. Sometimes, your flame won’t spread like wildfire but leave a dewy glow in a room for one to walk into. A light in the dark is all you need, so don’t wait to receive a spark; become your own.
