Bodybuilding legend Phil Heath has gone on to scale some of the highest peaks the sport has to offer, which includes seven consecutive Mr. Olympia wins among others. But no matter how hard he worked for them, it would’ve never been possible without a little encouragement from his father in his childhood. Today, nine years after Heath’s dad passed away, the bodybuilder is suddenly reminded of him and almost couldn’t hold back his tears while reminiscing.

Phil Heath recently took to Instagram to share a video where he remembered his father, Donald Heath. All the sweet memories shared with him, all the learnings he imbibed from him, and how much he continues to miss him after nine years without him.

That void might never get filled, but Phil Heath smiles through life

Donald Heath passed away in March 2014 and left a void in his son’s life. But Heath did not let this sinking feeling of sadness burden him. Instead, he turned it around and used it as a motivation to do better. Heath remembers having long chats with his dad about his goals and ambitions. He also promised him he would win the ultimate title for him, which he did.

“Well, it is now nine years since my father passed away,” started Heath in the video. He was finding it difficult to accept the harsh truth of life even now, after all these years. But he somehow soldered on. He continued, “Man, I miss that guy! Cause he was such a cool dude”. But, instead of giving in to the depressing reality of his life, Heath rather embraces it and picks the positives out of it.

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He finishes with, “Today I will celebrate. That’s for sure”. Even the caption of his post reflected the “inevitability” of life and death. Heath learned that life has much more to offer than previously expected, after his dad’s passing. Heath, who is known to have such thoughts, had an epiphany recently while working out with his wife. He always comes out with a fresh and renewed perspective on life every time.

Losing his dad gave Heath a new outlook 

While the emotion of losing one’s father can weigh so heavily on some people that they lose any direction in their life, Heath stands out as an exemplar. All that he vowed to do since his father’s passing, like becoming tougher, working harder, and enjoying life to the fullest, he did it all. It can serve as a model for people in grief.

Heath does mention that he didn’t grow up with his dad but came to be close to him during his last years. The sudden passing away of his dad from a rekindled bond like that makes it all the more heartbreaking.

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