My dad died in a car accident, just about a month shy of his 40th birthday. He left behind a young widow and six children, ranging in ages from 12 to 3. I was fortunate enough to be the 12-year-old kid, so I remember my dad pretty well. My youngest sisters have no memory of their father.

I don’t have children of my own (fertility issues), but my husband and I are guardians of our teenage niece. For her sake, if not my own, I wanted to outlive my dad. I didn’t want her to go through what my family went through—and though she has her own troubles and traumas, so far she hasn’t had to deal with the death of a parent or parental figure in her life. Here’s hoping that will continue. 12 months ago