During the final five days of my father’s life, I slept on a cot next to him, and cared for him throughout the day and night.
On his final night, as I was helping Dad get settled back into his own bed after a 2:30 AM visit to the bathroom, I placed my left hand on his shoulder. He was thanking me for staying with him in the hospital, and was talking away about what a wonderful family we have, as he took my right hand into his right hand.
A moment later, while holding my hand, Dad stopped talking, took his last breath, and passed away. Memories of the heart to heart talks we had in the hospital & at home that final day will always fill my heart with peace, joy, & fulfillment. We made time to sort out issues, talk about things we avoided in the past, and remember the good times. Both of us realized that special time was a gift, and our communication reached a new level.
Author Dave Barry once said, “Aside from Velcro, time is the most mysterious substance in the universe. You can’t see or touch it, yet a plumber can charge you upwards of seventy-five dollars per hour for it, without necessarily fixing anything.”
What if just for today we allow ourselves to recognize this moment in time as the gift from God that it is so we can be driven by love, not fear?
If something needs to be said to a loved one, say it and………if a loved one needs a hug………hug them right now!
When we’re driven by fear we have no love & when we’re driven by love, we have no fear, so………
Make the commitment TODAY to call your Dad & tell him you love him. Work out any issues you have while there is still time……….
Always remember the good times you shared. Be there for your Dad as he was, or even if he wasn’t there for you.
Be comforted by the thought every day that being a Dad is the greatest blessing of man’s life & allow that thought to penetrate and possess your whole being so utterly that you will strive to love your children & your wife as much as God loves you.