My dad died before he could retire. It shifted the way I approach life.

• Losing my dad and uncle before they hit retirement made me realize that "someday" isn't promised. • Instead of waiting, my family and I chose to live fully, right now. • That mindset shaped our parenting, our traditions, and even our children's futures.

By the time I was in my early 20s, life had already shown me that it doesn't always wait for later.

My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer and died at 51. Not long after that, my uncle died unexpectedly at 57. Both men had worked hard their entire lives for the promise of a fulfilling retirement that never came.

Those early losses shaped me profoundly. They created a sense of urgency in how I approached life, love, and ultimately, parenting. When I got married, I told my husband one thing clearly: We are not waiting fo