Happy Birthday, Daddy
Today is your birthday. I have no doubt you are celebrating, for the first time in many years, with your Mom and Dad, Grammy, Aunt Marie and Uncle Ed, your in-laws, and so many of your friends: Uncle Jack and Aunt Arline, Ed K, Bill M, Sam D, Mary Grace A...just to name a few. I'm sure you're all gathered around laughing and praising God.
But I miss you. I say that alot, I know, but it's true.
This morning, my love quote was the following by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: "We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place in ourselves for those who love us." I thought of you when I saw the quote and knew I had to use it. And then I found this photo - of you, Mom, and Rudy - which, to me, encompasses what the quote is all about...Tommy said that "St. Bernard rocks! One of the most bad-ass Catholic saints ever!" He also said that you were, and I quote 'a Catholic bad-ass!" Have to chuckle at his statement, and knew you would appreciate it.
You were all about love, unconditional love. I felt it so often. You knew just what to say, or what not so say...you were able to feel each moment and act accordingly. You always provided a resting place for those you loved...within your strong, loving arms. This picture speaks of love and comfort, of peace and rest.
We all miss those strong arms of yours, Daddy; the big hands that could comfort so tenderly. These coming months won't be easy. I think of today, and realize you went into the hospital a year ago tomorrow. And then it all began, and slowly went downhill. It's not easy thinking of the last two months of your life...and just now I am hearing the lonely train whistle, and it makes me think of you and the poem I wrote a few years ago. The train whistle always reminds me of you.
I love you. Thank you for the gifts of love and rest you provided to me, to your family and to so many others. You rock!
But I miss you. I say that alot, I know, but it's true.
You were all about love, unconditional love. I felt it so often. You knew just what to say, or what not so say...you were able to feel each moment and act accordingly. You always provided a resting place for those you loved...within your strong, loving arms. This picture speaks of love and comfort, of peace and rest.
We all miss those strong arms of yours, Daddy; the big hands that could comfort so tenderly. These coming months won't be easy. I think of today, and realize you went into the hospital a year ago tomorrow. And then it all began, and slowly went downhill. It's not easy thinking of the last two months of your life...and just now I am hearing the lonely train whistle, and it makes me think of you and the poem I wrote a few years ago. The train whistle always reminds me of you.
I love you. Thank you for the gifts of love and rest you provided to me, to your family and to so many others. You rock!
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