On the 5th of September 2011, I woke up with a bad feeling that something bad was going to happen and that it was going to change my life forever. As usual I went down stairs for breakfast and saw my mother and older sister crying. I went over to them and asked what was wrong. They looked at me and my mother put her arm on my shoulder and said, “Rifaath, your father has gone to a better place.

I was confused and asked where he was and my mother said, “To heaven.”

All I remember was my eyes feeling wet and feeling like I was melting. The next thing I knew I was crying. I ran to my father’s room where he was lying and saw a lifeless body; an empty vessel. Then I remembered the great times I had with him and thought to myself, I just lost someone that I loved. Then I told myself I had to start appreciating what I have and care for it. I smiled but still felt sad. After that day I started to enjoy what I still have and live life to the fullest. That’s why I am happy.