Ancient Greeks were way ahead of their time. Today, we still use the archetypes from Elláda’s mythology.

For example, my name is of Greek origin, as is my late father’s name.

His was Anatoliy. It is derived from anatolē (ἀνατολή), meaning “sunrise,” “east,” or “the rising of the sun.” The name was associated with Anatolia, literally the eastern land from the perspective of the Ancient Greeks, and it became a Christian name through early saints.

My name, Olena, comes from Ancient Greek Ἑλένη (Helénē). Its English counterpart is Helen. It has traditionally been associated with ideas such as “torch,” “light,” “bright,” or “shining one.”

Symbolically, both our names have imagery connected with light and the sun. Sunrise opens the door to sunlight and introduces brightness to the sky. 

In the same way, my dad ushered me into right and wrong, kindness and compassion, love and respect, and many other virtues.

We often speak of four Greek concepts of love, with Agape (ἀγάπη) being the most unconditional, selfless, and devoted one.

Another type of love—Storge (στοργή)—refers to natural familial affection, especially between parents and children, but it does not quite describe the bond between my father and me.

Sixteen years after his passing, I cherish those 24 years I was blessed with my dad’s agape love more than anything else. It still gives me strength, perseverance, and hope.

Today, I will be crying and missing him deeply while listening to “When I Get There” by P!NK.

I think of you when I think about forever

I hear a joke and I know you would’ve told it better

I think of you out of the blue when I’m watching a movie that you’d hate

You’d say it, you were never one to hesitate…

#FatherAndDaughter, #LoveNeverDies, #MissingALovedOne