Dad

Yesterday, October 21st, marked the 9 year anniversary since my Dad passed away. Everyone who knows me well, understands that it is my dad who shaped my life. Actually, it was the year he was sick, and ultimately his death that REALLY has made me who I am today. Before my dad got sick, I was a pretty selfish, ungrateful, wimpy, flighty, and overall silly person. The day he was diagnosed with cancer, I actually FELT my life change completely. From that day on, I was totally different and the experiences of the year ahead turned me into someone who i am proud to be today. I am SO far from perfect, but I actually like myself and am proud of who I have become. I have always dreamed of doing something grand in memory and in honor of my dad, but I never feel that anything I think of is remotely good enough. But lately i have been realizing that nothing will make my dad prouder than living a really worthwhile and truly great life. My dad was never one for over the top things anyway. He was ultra practical and genuinely thrilled with the simple things in life- even though he was always offered the extravagant. Nothing made my dad happier and more proud than, 1st- his wife (my awesome mum), and 2nd- his kids. His idea of heaven was sitting on the deck of our cottage, staring out on the lake while his family was either in the cottage or out on the lake. In fact, that is what he told me he hoped heaven was going to be like for him, during the last few months of his life. My dad was, without a doubt, the most honest, most noble, most intelligent most balanced and truly happy person I have ever known (although Phil might be a good equivalent- and that would make my dad super proud). I wasted most of the earthly time I had with him by being my former, not-so-great self, but I tried to squeeze in as much redemption time as possible (and i think i succeeded) in the final year. The good news, and the peace of mind I have, is that I KNOW with all my heart that my dad is proud of who I am today and that I can be with him again and it will be forever.
-"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."-Matthew 16:19