I step onto the wet green grass. I walk across a small hill in my black canvas shoes, and as I tip toe, I feel my toes wedge through the freshly cut wet grass blades. The water soaks my shoes, and my feet slowly become wet.
For a moment, I just stand there beginning to think. Today is May 1st, 2011. I close my eyes and let my tears drip down off my cheeks. They are happy tears. I let my mind wander back in time and there I reunite with memories of my father. Five years ago from today, I was driving to Hospice to see my dad. Before I got there, I answered a call from my sister. Between sobs she finally said, “They called Mom. He passed away.” I cried, “Ok,” and hung up the phone. I never made it one last time to say “Goodbye.” Sometimes I think it’s because “goodbye” is not forever; it’s not the end. Sometimes I think he parted that way to tell me we will only meet again.
In his life, my father always reminded me this: “Help yourself, and God will help you.” Since his death, I understood never to lose heart of anything. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” And so though our flesh goes, our spirit, the core element of our existence, is renewed and replenished by the Lord who gives us unlimited strength. You may or may not believe in a higher power, and that is okay. I wouldn’t be here and nor the person I am today without my father, who taught me to help myself, and my faith in the Lord, who strengthens my spirit to know that all things are possible.
I stand there gazing across the cemetery. I listen to the wind brush through the leaves. I stop and draw in a deep breath of air. The air smells of rain, of life and your spirit, and it touches my heart. You’re still here, Dad. I remember you every day.
"Help yourself, and God will help you."
For a moment, I just stand there beginning to think. Today is May 1st, 2011. I close my eyes and let my tears drip down off my cheeks. They are happy tears. I let my mind wander back in time and there I reunite with memories of my father. Five years ago from today, I was driving to Hospice to see my dad. Before I got there, I answered a call from my sister. Between sobs she finally said, “They called Mom. He passed away.” I cried, “Ok,” and hung up the phone. I never made it one last time to say “Goodbye.” Sometimes I think it’s because “goodbye” is not forever; it’s not the end. Sometimes I think he parted that way to tell me we will only meet again.
In his life, my father always reminded me this: “Help yourself, and God will help you.” Since his death, I understood never to lose heart of anything. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” And so though our flesh goes, our spirit, the core element of our existence, is renewed and replenished by the Lord who gives us unlimited strength. You may or may not believe in a higher power, and that is okay. I wouldn’t be here and nor the person I am today without my father, who taught me to help myself, and my faith in the Lord, who strengthens my spirit to know that all things are possible.
I stand there gazing across the cemetery. I listen to the wind brush through the leaves. I stop and draw in a deep breath of air. The air smells of rain, of life and your spirit, and it touches my heart. You’re still here, Dad. I remember you every day.
"Help yourself, and God will help you."
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