I danced with my daughter this morning. She is almost 4 and loves being a princess. Here is the good news – I am her prince! We spend a lot of time dancing and pretending. I relish these moments. It is easy for me at times to think, “Okay, I danced with you. I need to get on to the work of the day.” Then I am reminded that life is short. One day the last thing she will want to do is dance with her dad. Relish the moments. Life is short. It is tempting to be more concerned about your project at work or the television show you must get back to. Embrace the little blessings around you whether it is dancing with your daughter, holding your spouse’s hand, or spending quality time with a friend.
Family Notes
One Year Ago
My dad died on July 20, 2008, exactly one year ago. It is hard to believe it has been one year. One the one hand, it seems like only a few weeks. On the other hand, it seems like ages ago. The death of a loved one is a strange thing. You never quite grasp the depth of your loss. Nor do you ever quite get used to it. You learn to cope and press on. This pertains to all loss in life, whether it is your health, your job, or a family member. Whatever you are going through, know that you are not alone. People are hurting just like you. By the grace of God, you can make it. I have made it one full year without my father. I can make it another year as well.
Life’s Little Surprises
Don’t give up on me. It has been a while since my last post. Things have been crazy. For instance, last week my uncle passed away. For several days no one could contact him. Because of his health, there was some concern. The police broke into his home and found him dead. My uncle never married and never had any children. But, he was a good man. I will miss him. It is ironic that his passing occurred 10 months to the day from his brother’s death [my dad]. His death is yet another reminder that life is short. What has God called yo to do? Do it without delay. There are no guarantees. What a minute, there is one guarantee – ONE DAY YOU WILL DIE!!! Don’t live with morbid thoughts and have a closet full of black clothes. But, remember that death is a fact of life. Live with no regrets. You never know what surprise, whether good or bad, is awaiting around the corner.
My Dad
My dad died six months ago today (July 20, 2008). In two days he would have celebrated his 68th birthday (Janurary 22, 2009). Dealing with his death has been an intersesting journey. At times, it seems he only died yesterday. In other moments, his life and death seem like a distant memory – a dream perhaps. Some days it is easy to rejoice in his life and memory. Other days are filled with sadness and a yearning for his presence. I do not think it will get any easier. I wonder, will it get any harder? I suspect it will. People say that time heals everything. I am not so sure now. As life goes on, and I advance in years, dad’s life and memory will seem farther and farther away. Yet, in a another sense, he will be getting closer and closer. The more time goes on, the closer I get to my own death and of course – Heaven. There I will be with dad, and more than that – with Christ Himself! Dad, we miss you and love you.
My Wife is Awesome
Our daughter doesn’t like being in the bed by herself. It is high time for her to be doing it. The other night we drew a line in the sand. It was an awful experience. Ainzley finally went to sleep after crying for 3 hours. Last night, my wife thought of a way to make the situation better. She played “hide and seek” with Ainzley. Ainzley would hide under the covers and Lori would go back to her room and try to find her. Thirty minutes later Ainzley was sound asleep. I hope this works again. Leave it to my wife to find such a clever way for this dillema. She is awesome!
Just a Thought 