Several years ago I did a genealogy research on the Roberts family. After being asked some questions from other Roberts’ from around the globe, I’ve reviewed my research. As I was reading about my Great Grandfathers, I started to notice, that barring any unforeseen circumstances, such as an accident or war, the age of death, seems to be 76. My father missed this number by several weeks and his brother’s were 75-76 at the time of their death.
This study provoked a deeply philosophical question: Would I want to know when my last day on this earth would be and how would it change the life I’m living? Perhaps I could forgive those that need forgiving and ask forgiveness of those I’ve wronged. I think my forgiveness would begin with myself, for not going down the path I, or others, think I should have taken. I am where I am, and the only way to go is forward, one step at a time. The most important thing I can do is to take that step and really start living life.
When we start realizing that every day that passes time grows more precious. It can actually be quite inspiring to realize there’s one day less than the day before. We can’t let the little things in life bog us down and to keep us from living up to our full potential, ever what that is. To love and let ourselves be loved is what makes life worth living.
On average I have 8748 days left. I will see 25 more Christmas mornings and 24 more birthdays, vote for 6 more Presidents, but I can smile every morning I wake up, because that means, I have another day, to get it right!
Would you want to know?
oer 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Letter
In May of 2000 my dad died of a heart attack. Without question this was the lowest time in my life. He was not only my father but next to my wife he was my closest friend. The one person I always knew I could turn to when I felt all the chips were down.After his death I had started thinking about all of the things I wished I could have said.I decide to write him a letter.
Dear Dad.
I can’t even start to tell you how much I miss you. All the times you would call just as I sat down for dinner and I wouldn’t answer the phone, I’m sorry. I have picked up the phone many times to call you before I would realize you weren’t there to answer. It wasn’t for any specific reason, but just to tell you how my day went or that one of the boys had done something, that only you would think was special. They would both make you so proud.
Josh has your gift of gab. He can talk to a stranger as if he has known them all his life. He finished college and decided to run for mayor of our town and won.
Steven has your gift for music. He has won most talented musician every year since he was in the 8th grade and plays 5 instruments, including your piano. I made sure he got it, just like you told me to. He is very smart and makes really good grades. He wants to be a heart surgeon. I think maybe because of what happen to you.
I mainly want you to know that I’m sorry I didn’t tell you how special you are and how proud I am that you were my dad. I know that I won’t ever have that time again but maybe my son’s can see something of you in me.I hope I make you proud!
Your son
PS: I almost forgot. When I was a teenage and told you someone had hit your car in the parking lot and crushed the right back taillight. I actually didn’t put it all the way into park and it rolled down the driveway and hit a tree. I’m sorry I didn’t just tell you the truth.I think that’s all for now but may have to add more to this later.Do you need to write a letter, or are you lucky enough to just be able to pick up the phone?
oer
Dear Dad.
I can’t even start to tell you how much I miss you. All the times you would call just as I sat down for dinner and I wouldn’t answer the phone, I’m sorry. I have picked up the phone many times to call you before I would realize you weren’t there to answer. It wasn’t for any specific reason, but just to tell you how my day went or that one of the boys had done something, that only you would think was special. They would both make you so proud.
Josh has your gift of gab. He can talk to a stranger as if he has known them all his life. He finished college and decided to run for mayor of our town and won.
Steven has your gift for music. He has won most talented musician every year since he was in the 8th grade and plays 5 instruments, including your piano. I made sure he got it, just like you told me to. He is very smart and makes really good grades. He wants to be a heart surgeon. I think maybe because of what happen to you.
I mainly want you to know that I’m sorry I didn’t tell you how special you are and how proud I am that you were my dad. I know that I won’t ever have that time again but maybe my son’s can see something of you in me.I hope I make you proud!
Your son
PS: I almost forgot. When I was a teenage and told you someone had hit your car in the parking lot and crushed the right back taillight. I actually didn’t put it all the way into park and it rolled down the driveway and hit a tree. I’m sorry I didn’t just tell you the truth.I think that’s all for now but may have to add more to this later.Do you need to write a letter, or are you lucky enough to just be able to pick up the phone?
oer
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