One of my most cherished dreams was to have the opportunity to travel overseas and explore other cultures in Europe. The vision became a reality over this past summer. As I arrived back in the Houston airport from a 16-day European journey, it seemed as if the vacation would mark the beginning of a memorable senior year. However, the expectation of a celebrated school year instantly drifted away as I realized my parents’ sudden divorce was my “welcome home” present.

A senior year for most students should be carefree, with no worries; yet mine within a couple of days became stressful and highly disappointing. In addition to the stress of the college application and scholarship process, there was pressure from all directions to fill the shoes of a substitute parent.

Within a couple of days of the separation, every aspect of my daily life routine changed. Because I am the eldest child, there was already much responsibility on my shoulders. After the separation, my assistance around the house was demanded on a higher level. When asked I provided transportation, house upkeep and other things that would take some of the load off of my mother’s shoulders. There was no longer any free time to socialize or get out of the house because help was needed more than ever. After the constant housework, babysitting and “taxi-driving”, whatever energy left was focused on the advanced placement and dual credit classes. I was too emotionally and physically exhausted to enjoy my last year in high school. There were the occasional movie nights with friends or Sonic drink runs, but nothing momentous would occur on the weekends like it did for some of my peers.

The divorce also took away the significance and prominence of many valuable events. Although my last homecoming dance was gratifying and noteworthy, the presence of my father was lacking. Of course the divorce did not mean that our relationship had to end but with him living two hours away, it was nearly impossible for him to drive to Katy and be included in every bit of my life. Homecoming night was one of those incidences. He passed up the chance to experience the hype of the night and the hours of preparation. Many teenagers take those details for granted but there are no words to describe the feeling that wells up in the pit of your stomach when your dad tells you “you are beautiful” as you descend down the staircase all dolled up.

Celebrating holidays is also bittersweet when not everyone you love is together. Because I will be away at college next August, every holiday this year is especially important. Every Christmas Eve it is tradition to all sit on the couch and read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. Because of my family’s recent situation this year, this 15-year old tradition was decimated. In order to maintain some of the annual tradition, my siblings and I video chatted with our father so he could read to us before we went to bed. Although Skyping had its advantages, the special event lost its meaning.

There have been times throughout the year that contributed to the significance of my final year of high school, but they stand meaningless next to the times I could have had with my dad. Now with the year coming to an end, I can only hope to grow closer to my father rather than lose the relationship. My father recently moved back to Katy in order to still have a role in my life. Luckily, May 19 will forever be a unforgettable night. Prom will be a night to celebrate with friends, dance and cherish with all who I love.