Every Expat's Worst Nightmare

Getting a phone call in the middle of the night is probably one of the biggest fears for someone living far away.  10 days ago our phone rang at 4 AM.  A's sister called and told us that their father had passed away.  At 62, he had a sudden heart attack.  No one expected it and I think the shock was the only thing that got us through our flight the following day back to the Dominican Republic.  

Having lunch for their 35 year anniversary this year

I know that I'll never forget that phone call, nor will I ever forget arriving at A's parents house at 1:30 in the morning and the way we all felt.  Even though I had only met my father in law a few years ago, I loved him as if he were my own father; he treated me like a daughter and I cannot count the lifetime's worth of memories we shared with him over the last 2 years. 

{A day trip to Samaná; where we swam and ate way too much fish}

Our trip was very difficult, but at the same time we found so many reasons to smile and to laugh, as we remembered stories and all the funny things he would do and say to us.  I am lucky to not have lost someone this close to me until now, at the age of 26, because death is so so sad, and its so easy to let the grief overcome you.  This is why we are trying our best to be grateful for the time we had with him here on earth.  I am so happy that he was able to see all of his children get married this year, and that we Skyped just the day before he passed away - we were laughing as he was joking with me about my pictures on Instagram. :) 

{Our wedding; April 2013}

We arrived back in Santorini last night and I hate being so far away again.  But what gets me through each day is knowing of the miraculous strength of A's mom and sisters back home and knowing that one day we will be united again.  Death really puts life into perspective, and so as tacky and cliche as it may sound, I will say it anyway: 

your time here is short, make your life one worth living.