I know everyone gets "ripped off" of some time with a loved one when they are taken from this life to the next but that doesn’t change how I feel and perhaps I feel more so that way because of my circumstances when he died. I wish my dad would have been there to welcome me home from serving a mission. I wish I could have told him a few more times how much I loved him and appreciated him. I wish I could go to him for counsel and help. I wish my husband could have met him and gained his approval and grown to love him and I wish he could have been there physically when I got married. I wish he could be here for the births, and lives, of our children—he was an amazing grandpa and my kids won’t get to enjoy that. And I wish he was here to celebrate this time of year, this year and every year. He had a passion for this season and made it so much fun and the holidays seem to have lost something. Though he is gone, I'm very grateful I still have the rest of my family with whom I can celebrate this season.
I talk to him often and pray to Heavenly Father to give him messages from me. I’m looking forward to visiting his grave next weekend since it's been a little while since I've been to visit his final resting place. It’s hard to say “I love you” to someone who is not here physically...but I never want to forget that and I want him to know I still think about him. I do, however, rejoice that he made it. He was faithful to the gospel, to my mom, and to his family and I can't help but think that he's busy as can be doing good on the other side of the veil just as he always was here. He's teaching and serving and in his free time I'm sure he is discovering all of the cool things there. I can't wait to be greeted by him so he can show me what he's been up to all this time. I know it's "but a small moment" that he's gone from our family on earth (in the eternal scheme of things) but it seems daunting to go through the rest of my life without him in our family.
In this past LDS General Conference, Elder Wirthlin said, "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time that we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." I can't wait for the day when our family is together again and when we will all shed tears of rejoicing and gratitude rather than the countless tears that have been shed for him since he left this mortal world. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, Dad. I love you.
I like this picture. My dad teaching me how to fish with his dad right behind him. check out my awesome capris...though I don't think they were the style when I was 6.
12 comments:
This post was perfect. I can't add anything more because you wrote exactly what I feel. Thank you for writing this.
I don't even know what to say. I love you so much and am so sorry about what happened. I still think about your dad often and miss him and grandpa too. They were great men and I'm proud to have them both in my family.
I'll be thinking about you and your family next week.
Love you.
And that picture is priceless. Priceless.
Thanks for the post. I have been thinking about the events 5 years ago too. I think it started with our anniversary last week. He was a great man and his example will live with all of us forever, I'm sure.
Thank you for sharing your feelings and experience on such a sensitive subject. My girlfriend lost her baby back in March during the 9th month of pregnancy and we've talked a lot about that talk recently. His words provide so much comfort and hope to those who have experienced such a painful loss.
Nice post, Michelle. I echo your feelings. I do think it gets easier as time passes. It has for me, and I hope it does for you, too. Love you!
This was a very nice post. I think of your dad quite often. Probably because Ryan reminds me so much of him. He was a great man and loved by many. I look forward to seeing him again someday. I know he will greet all of us, but especially his children and your mom, with open arms and tears of joy and happiness. As hard as it may be to live without him right now, it does bring comfort to know that we will be able to see him again someday. Love you Chelle!
What a beautiful post. This past conference had a couple of talks that really touched me as they talked about angels, loss, and trials. I will be thinking of you all this week. The holidays and anniversaries are especially difficult for all of us.
Michelle, I can't really express words of comfort as I would like to as I have never had this trial. All I can say is I'm sorry. I care about you so much and wish you never had to go through this. My prayers are with you (always).
I'm so sorry, i know how it still hurts. All i can say is that we love you too! isn't it awesome that we know we'll get to see those loved ones again someday? This is not the end! that is what gives me hope!
Michelle, I don't even know what to say. I think about all of you at this time of year. All of you seem so strong, you amaze me. I miss you dad too and I also love that picture of him and grandpa. Thanks for sharing this. I love you!
What I can tell you, is that your Dad loves you more today than ever. He is very proud of you,he still lives, and he misses you very much too. Thank you for being my wonderful daughter in law, and being a part of our family. We love you.
I just love you so much. and I know Elder Wirthlins words are true. thanks for posting this. I can't imagine how hard it still is especially during this time. I only met him once, but from what I know he is amazing and you are lucky to have him watching over you.
Post a Comment